Pascha

[miyukisarah]

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T1i
Shutter: 1/30
Aperture: 8.0/f
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO: 400
Flash: On, off camera flash

Editing:
- blurred background more
- darkened background
- high pass filter
- levels adjustment

How is the composition and the lighting? I'm trying to properly learn how to use flash.
Is the dog too dark?
Not really sure what else to ask so have at it!

[Laurenbiz]

I think the lighting on the dog is fine, but I can really tell that you darkened the background on a kitchen photo. Because of the floor there, I can see that the background is all processed.

I would suggest trying this photo again with an actual black or white plain background, or maybe just a plain floor for the dog to sit on! Then darkening the background would look really nice and more natural! :-)

[Visions]

I have a soft spot for every breed of spaniel! I love your dog subject! My suggestion is not in regard to your post processing but about your composition. The dog is looking OUT of the picture. The direction of the subjects eyes - human or animal or fish, bird or sculpture - should help you decide how to frame your shot. Aim to have your eyes looking IN to your picture and allow the larger area of the picture to be in front of the eyes. So even though your pups feet are reaching to the left they eyes are looking right so there should be more room on the right of your picture to give the picture balance.
AJ