First Attempt

[Clockdoc I]

Well I have never really tried to do potraits, but since I joined this forum and seen some of the work of the DPS members I decided to give it a try. This is my loyal subject (my daughters pup)Trey. I cropped and did some cloning to hide his leash. I tought that the lines in the deck add to the shot and his intense stare is why I cropped so close. I wanted to know if the deck is acceptable for a portrait and also is it ok to crop off the ears.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/roadkingclassic/2306083340/" title="Trey by clockdoc_i, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2306083340_741eb1011d.jpg" width="500" height="473" alt="Trey" /></a>
Nikon D80
2008/02/24 16:57:31.6
Compressed RAW (12-bit)
Image Size: Large (3872 x 2592)
Color
Lens: 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 G
Focal Length: 19mm
Exposure Mode: Shutter Priority
Metering Mode: Multi-Pattern
1/250 sec - F/5
Exposure Comp.: 0 EV
Sensitivity: ISO 800
Optimize Image: Normal
White Balance: Auto
AF Mode: AF-A
Flash Sync Mode: Not Attached
Color Mode: Mode Ia (sRGB)
Tone Comp.: Auto
Hue Adjustment: 0°
Saturation: Auto
Sharpening: Auto
Image Comment:
Long Exposure NR: Off
High ISO NR: Off

[windrider86]

In my opnion the deck is acceptable but witht hat being said and I dont know how comfortable you are with post processing but I think the railing part is a bit distracting. Perhaps clone them out?
I do like the lines in the deck tho. They lead you from one end to the other.
and yes, it is ok to crop off the ears, just dont do it in the middle of them. Its all a matter of preference tho