Winter Pup

[Kyle]

I'm brand new to photography and am just really learning how to use my new DSLR. I was recently at my parents house for the holidays and happened to get this shot of my dog by the frozen river.

[mknittle]

Looks good to me Kyle.

[rpcrowe]

Nice image of a beautiful Golden. And super great for a beginning photographer. You placed the Golden so there is more room in front than to the rear which is just what you should do! I like how the dog's face is turned towards the camera.

I would suggest a couple of things:

In shooting: Look at your background before you rip the shutter and try to avoid things like flag poles growing out of your subject. If you have a camera which allows you to do this, try shooting at a wide (low f/number aperture) so that you can blur the background a bit. This will separate your subject from the background...

In editing: Crop a bit especially off the top. Add some contrast. Finally; if you have an editing program which allows it, remove the flagpole that seems to be growing out of the dog's neck.

Also - keep posting pictures of that lovely animal...

[Kyle]

Thanks for the advice, it really helps.

When I took the picture I wasn't sure how to use anything other than the basic modes. I basically hit the shutter as much as I could hoping to get a good shot. I have since done quite a bit of research and now understand exposure and composition. The picture could have really benefited from a lower aperture.

I have yet to do any real editing but I'll try to work that in and post the updated picture if I get any decent results.

[Manfred M]

In addition to Richard's comments; much of the material to the right of the dog does not add much to the image.

Rather than thinking about croppinig, pay more attention to what you see through the viewfinder and frame your image appropriately (that includes watching for things like the flagpole).

[wlou]

Great photo for a beginner! It takes a Canadian to go out in the snow to take pictures. I hope we see more of it because practice makes perfect. An a good looking dog too.

[Kyle]

Here is my first attempt at editing a photo. I tried to remove the pole but it's not quite working out. Almost there but it needs a bit more work. I added some contrast to this one. Tried to blur out the back a bit to make him stand out and removed some of the shadows on him.
I haven't gotten to the post production tutorials yet so I really have no idea what I'm doing so it's just me experimenting.

[Shadowman]

Nice capture/

[MichaelClark]

I'm brand new to photography and am just really learning how to use my new DSLR. I was recently at my parents house for the holidays and happened to get this shot of my dog by the frozen river.

Nice shot ..

[IzzieK]

Just asking what PP software are you using? Here's an edit you might like...done in Photoshop...

[Kyle]

Just asking what PP software are you using? Here's an edit you might like...done in Photoshop...

I was using Lightroom but I also have Photoshop CC. I haven't really used either before so I'm still learning what to do with them.
That edit looks really good. I was attempting to do something similar using the stamp brush. I got rid of the pole but there were clear lines where the tree was repeating. A little more practice and I'm sure I'll get it done.

[Downrigger]

The two edits are remarkable similar - nice work Kyle!

My two cents worth is to stick with LR for at least a while, and focus on what Manfred said about trying not to think that if the subject is in the viewfinder it is appropriately framed. It is amazing how rarely one wishes one had shot "wider" and how frequently one wishes one had shot to better have the subject take up space in the frame.

[Manfred M]

The two edits are remarkable similar - nice work Kyle!

My two cents worth is to stick with LR for at least a while, and focus on what Manfred said about trying not to think that if the subject is in the viewfinder it is appropriately framed. It is amazing how rarely one wishes one had shot "wider" and how frequently one wishes one had shot to better have the subject take up space in the frame.

The famed war photographer / photojournalist, Robert Capa. once said; "If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough".

I try to remember that every time I am framing a shot.