Tribute to "B"

[Ewie]

This is one of those shots that one regrets not thinking about at the time. This is Behren our 13yro German Shepherd who passed away quite suddenly a few weeks ago. I had just bought the lens (Minolta 50mmF1.7) and was playing around in the back yard and got this shot.



Now it's one of our favourite portraits of the old boy and I'd like to do something with it as a fitting tribute. Have already thought about changing the grotty background for something else (suggestions please)

Would like some feedback and ideas on how to treat the shot.

(Feel free to edit and re-upload to DPS)

[Nicole]

Awww, poor puppy. I'm sorry for your loss.

All things considered, this is a really nice picture of him. If you were able to just darken the background to get rid of some of the clutter (rather than replace it, which can be difficult when you're dealing with the fur), then it should work nicely. I'll have a play and see if I can actually show you what I'm trying to say.

[FrankenPengie]

I did a quicky. Instead of changing or darkening the background, I feel muddying the contrast with some levels adjustments do for a good start. Then a direct B&W conversion in CS3 and playing with the color sliders to muddy the background a little more. Applying a tint that allows Behren's(love that name) smile to come out makes, for a complimentary background that brightens the atmosphere and makes for a happier picture.

To make it look really decent would merely require more time tracing out Behren's fur.

[Rajah Sulayman]

What a gorgeous pooch. I had German Shepherds growing up and loved them to pieces. They're such wonderful animals.

To be honest, I didn't think there was that much that your image was missing. I cropped it in a little to take Berhen a little more off-center, and I blurred and desaturated the background a bit to bring the focus more to the subject, but other than that the image seems fine.

[Manila_Joe]

Originally Posted by rajah sulayman

What a gorgeous pooch. I had German Shepherds growing up and loved them to pieces. They're such wonderful animals.

To be honest, I didn't think there was that much that your image was missing. I cropped it in a little to take Berhen a little more off-center, and I blurred and desaturated the background a bit to bring the focus more to the subject, but other than that the image seems fine.

This is the version I like best. The first two had too much space around your Berhen (I'm sorry for your loss). The cropping and selective colour really brings him out.

[Ewie]

Thanks to everyone for your critique and suggestions. I decided to keep it simple and made a portrait crop (thus) We then printed an 8x12 and framed it with a few smaller shots.



We're happy with the results, what do you folks think of the crop?

Cheers Ewen

[Nicole]

I like the crop I think that your final product turned out to be a very fitting tribute to Behren. I'm sure he'll always have a place in your hearts (along with in the picture frame).

[jiminyClickit]

Ewie,

Whatever you did, Behren looks groomed. Good work.