Looking to his master...

[lenslizard]

SO my friend has a black German Shepherd that I love, and I got this shot as she was looking at him and he was looking back. I liked it and felt that it expresses their connection. They are very close, and her training him is like watching two best friends working together. Tell me what you all think :P

Exif:

Camera: Nikon D3000
Lens: Nikon 50mm 1.8D
Aperture: F1.8
Shutter speed: 1/400sec
ISO: 100
EV comp: -0.67

[Laurenbiz]

The huge aperture explains my distaste: with the nose in the foreground blurred, I am distracted and I can't sense the connection that you mentioned.

Narrowing the aperture will result in more clarity in the photo.

For me, the blurred foreground just does not fit my taste.

My two cents!

[JohnT]

I like it because it is not the standard stuff everyone does that is boring. It is different. Yeah the DOF could have been a bit better to have shown all of the dogs nose clearly etc but none the less and interesting shot.

[lenslizard]

I appreciate the comments, and as for the DoF problem: I chose to blur the nose and the background because the main focus was supposed to be on his eyes. The way they were looking past and seeing a friend and connecting with them was what I was portraying.

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I like it because it is not the standard stuff everyone does that is boring. It is different.

+1

Originally Posted by lenslizard

I chose to blur the nose and the background because the main focus was supposed to be on his eyes. The way they were looking past and seeing a friend and connecting with them was what I was portraying.

I 'got it'. I think you chose wisely and composed creatively and for me, it works.

[lenslizard]

Can I ask what people think about this being black and white? I felt that it adds to the "memory" factor of the photograph rather than being in color. While the colors produce a feeling of excitement in this one, I'm more into a slow, more sacred look to it.

[MitchellProut]

I am new to photography and to this site, but I wanted to let you know that I "got it" as well.

I really liked the fact that it was focused on the eyes. As a dog owner, I always feel that you can see the so much of their personality through the eyes. Loved the pic for just that reason. I'll bet it means a lot more to the dog's owner than it would to anyone on this forum for just that reason. (no offence to anyone commenting)

I like the black and white. It really puts the focus on the character in the eyes rather than the colors of the hair on the body. Since you wanted to focus on the eyes, it took my gaze directly to that instead of anything else. I think color would maybe add a distraction. It also gives an air of sincerity to the stare.

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by lenslizard

Can I ask what people think about this being black and white? I felt that it adds to the "memory" factor of the photograph rather than being in color. While the colors produce a feeling of excitement in this one, I'm more into a slow, more sacred look to it.

I think BW works well and you achieved what you were going for. Your thoughtfulness in PP paid off.

[lenslizard]

Thanks everyone really appreciate the commentary.