fred spencer

I have no problem with post processing so long as the image is interesting and the processing enhances it. Sadly it is often used to rescue poor shots, either compositionally or technically, and for me just makes them look worse. HDR is the latest thing where this is the case. There are some really awful images posted around t'net which have been done this way.

I like the 8x10 but would possibly have the flower a bit lower down in the frame.

 

Do the sharpening when you've got it down to your chosen final size and according to what medium it is going on. There's no definite level you can go for because eyesight can be so different between people and it also depends on the distance it is viewed from. As you are the person most likely to be looking at it sharpen to how it looks right for you in your normal viewing position and anyone else can either view from closer or further away as necessary.

Need is a personal issue and really depends how important being able to get any given shot is. Cost is usually a

big difference between f/2.8 and slower lenses. Again this is personal, but for a lot people it is the

determining factor of lens choice.

 

And this has to be the biggest load of elitist claptrap I've seen in a long time:

 

"YES f/2.8 is the slowest lens anyone should consider -- life is far too short to use cheap glass."

 

Should anyone who can't afford f/2.8 lenses not bother at all? Really? For the sake of one stop?

 

As I said, utter claptrap!

My preference would be very similar to derek allan's but with a bit more foreground for the dog to be moving into.

Having said that I think you should give the final image more consideration when you compose the shot.

 

The position of the dog here lends itself to a reasonably close up shot because it is coming towards you and you

have the face nearly full on. As it is my eyes are trying to find something of interest in all that space which

detracts from the subject. Had it been running from one side to the other and side on to you then you could leave

more space around it, particularly for it to be running into. Getting your composition right, so your not

cropping lots off, will also give you better prints.<div></div>