My German Shepherd

[pkb4112]

Hello everyone,

I went outside with my German Shepherd, Roxy, today just practicing. Aside from the distracting sticks in the background, this was one of my favorite shots. I did do some Photoshop to get rid of a collar clasp that was sort of distracting, and also cropped out another distracting element in the background on the left side and sort of put her face into the left third. I think next time I will try my longer lens (70 - 200mm) to achieve bokeh rather than using this smaller one (18 - 55mm) even though it has a larger max aperture. I am a young photographer and a beginner, so any critique is welcome. Also, I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to try to get her far ear more in focus next time, and how to achieve this (larger f/stop?). Thanks.



EXIF:

Camera Nikon D5000
Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture f/3.5
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash No Flash

[NicoleScraps]

Hi there. First thing that I noticed is that the snout is sort of distorted looking, sort of larger than it should be. This is caused by having your lens too close to the subject and can happen with any portrait, animal or human. Definitely try using your zoom lens and this will not be a problem in the future. Using a zoom should also help you to achieve better bokeh as well.
Other than that, I think it is a good shot. Nice and clear, in focus, etc.