Our Box Dog

[Tanya L]

Hi - aussie photographer new to this site so bear with me if I miss any information Took this photo of our beloved Boxer dog and was interested to know if I should be focusing on the eyes or the nose? Overall I like the shot (maybe a bit dark?) and possibly should have stopped down to get eyes in focus too? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

EXIF
Canon 40d 50mm f/1.4 USM
Shutter 1/500
Aperature 1.6
ISO 100
No Flash

[Bruce A]

Nice looking boxer! The b&w conversion looks good and contrasty. The boxer needs space to run around in and it needs more space in this photograph imo. If he was looking into a little negative space I think would be an improvement. The crop is a little tight to me. But nice shot all the same.

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by Bruce A

Nice looking boxer! The b&w conversion looks good and contrasty. The boxer needs space to run around in and it needs more space in this photograph imo. If he was looking into a little negative space I think would be an improvement. The crop is a little tight to me. But nice shot all the same.

Got to agree. It's a very, very nice shot. A bit tight in the frame but still quite good.

As to your question on focus and aperture ... on this kind of shot (more profile), I would lean towards getting both eyes (if you can see both, one if not) and the nose in focus. In a front view type shot, I would tend towards getting the eyes for sure, and the nose if I can, but not always. I've seen great shots of focused eyes and blurry noses and others with focused noses and blurry eyes. I liked both. I think it just kinda depends on the feel you are going for. I like to experiment a lot and just see what works.

To me, the eyes and nose look pretty good in this shot.

And welcome to DPS!

[pesawa]

Next time I would take off the leash around the neck. I find it somewhat distracting. Otherwise very nice photo.

[Mom2EandD]

First of all...getting ready to go to Veterinary Tech school this fall...he is beautifulf! I think you got a nice focus on both the eye and the nose and you got a nice catch light in the eye too. I like the B and W and agree on the too tight a crop. I think the collar bothers me because its so blurry...If it were in focus...I kind of like it...but it isn't...so it kind of gets me ...otherwise...you did a nice job.

[Tanya L]

Thanks everyone for your comments. They have been most helpful. I totally agree about the cropping...it was my silly fault! I inadvertently cropped instead of resized for the attachment. Shall remember for next time!! I also agree about the collar...very distracting but as it was taken in our backyard at a very quick opportune moment I didn't get the chance to take it off. Our boxer is a 12 month old girl who just doesn't sit still...so to get this photo was rare!!

Thanks again everyone...I have enjoyed my first post at DPS. I will be back for sure!