What’s Your Preference?

NicolaB · #1 (**permalink**) 08-26-2010, 08:59 PM

I quite like this pic, but feel that it could be improved in PP.

I have done all the RAW twiddles I have leant (wb, sharpening etc) but is there any thing else I can do - or would it take a telephoto lense to get me closer without getting wet?!

ALLLLL advice welcome.

Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture f/4.0
Focal Length 70 mm
ISO Speed 100

windrider86 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2010, 12:57 PM

First things first. Get rid of all the distracting elements. There is something at the bottom of the image that needs to go. Also the sky and the island in the background take away from the dog. The dog is your main focal point so lets make it that way!

karen_s · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2010, 02:44 PM

Now that is a happy dog! I think you caught some real nice action and the shot is a definite keeper.

As far as PP, I might suggest a tighter crop and I see two very workable options ...

Option one is to keep the horizontal format but to crop just below the horizon line to remove the island from the photo. It is distracting in the horizontal composition for two reasons, it's interesting and pulls attention away from the real subject and it also throws off the balance of the image by making the right side a bit heavy. So, I would lop it off in the horizontal. This version shows off the subject in a very direct way ... happy dog having a great time.

Option two is the vertical. In this case I think the island works. I would crop off most of the left side of the image and leave the island at the top. This version gives more context and tells a bit more of a story, like maybe the dog is just swimming in after visiting the island.

In the end, I think the image works great either way (nice to have options :-), it's just a matter of what you want to say.

And a telephoto is a very nice option if you have one, but sometimes cropping an image can get you similar results. Since you have a 5d (I am jealous ;-), you should be able to crop in nicely without losing much.

NicolaB · #4 (**permalink**) 08-27-2010, 05:39 PM

Umm yes I didn't like the sea weed at the bottom but didn't know how to get rid of it. As of yesterday I have a Photo Shop book, so I have now cropped and de weeded!

I thought it looked a bit right heavy too, but wanted to have it all - ha ha that is me all right. Less is more right? On the same subject but at a right angle Karen, I think I need to now change my name to 'all the gear and no idea'! I am thrilled with it - it is so much easier than my 350. Lovely camera.