Taylor, The good dog

[Stina3246]

I snapped this shot of my sisters beloved Golden retriever Taylor a few years ago at her wedding. Now Taylor has been diagnosed with Kidney failure and not much time left. My sister is devistated and I wanted to send her a great frameable picture of Taylor. I really like this one but can anyone tell me what they would do to improve it? I know she should have sparkle in her eyes but I feel the white spots from the flash are a bit too much. I don't know how to fix it because when I took the spots out the dog looked EVIL!
Is there anything else you guys would do to this picture? This is exactly as taken (no cropping) accept for a tiny bit of saturation.
Thanks!



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[Sterling]

Sorry about your sister's dog.

Try making the pupils black and add a small catchlight in the eye to give it sparkle.

[Laurenbiz]

I agree that you should be able to darken the pupils. Try that, and perhaps try darkening the backgrounds so you don't see such a harsh shadow in the back created by the flash.

I don't know what your EXIF data is in this photo, but a long(er) shutter speed, a wide aperture, and/or high ISO setting should help you be able to avoid flash in many situations. Natural lighting, then, will be more pleasing to the eye.

I am sorry about the dog! Trust me, I've dealt with sick pets before, and it is very heartbreaking.

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by Laurenbiz

I agree that you should be able to darken the pupils. Try that, and perhaps try darkening the backgrounds so you don't see such a harsh shadow in the back created by the flash.

I don't know what your EXIF data is in this photo, but a long(er) shutter speed, a wide aperture, and/or high ISO setting should help you be able to avoid flash in many situations. Natural lighting, then, will be more pleasing to the eye.

I am sorry about the dog! Trust me, I've dealt with sick pets before, and it is very heartbreaking.

I TOTALLY forgot about listing the EXIF info but I doubt I could get it now anyway. It was shot years ago with a Yashica Film camera and a hot shoe flash. I don't remember AT ALL what settings were. Sorry

[dolphin1]

I hope you don't mind but I fixed up the eyes a little bit for you. I hope you like it!

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by dolphin1

I hope you don't mind but I fixed up the eyes a little bit for you. I hope you like it!

Thats perfect. May I save that and use it to send to my sister.

[dolphin1]

Of course you can use it Stina! It is your picture after all! I am glad I could help you out!