Lilly in Green

[mikedsokc]

I received a Canon Regal XTi for Christmas and I have been reading about photography. This is my first upload. How did I do and what should I do different? Thanks.

[Lance Nelson]

Good first shot; he/she's cute!

[jiminyClickit]

mikedsokc, Welcome

Lilly couldn't be sweeter. Photo could be more about her if the background were plainer, or darker, or less sharp. She could be presented either tighter cropped, or shown fully; this is sort of iffy-cropped. Adding a reflector at left side would give her right eye a catchlight and a better color, softening the shadow a little, too. As is, a good shot.

[mikedsokc]

Thanks for the info. I was not sure how to frame her. I shot this at ISO 800 so I would not have to use the built in flash. All I have right now is the kit lens. What would the reflector do and where should I have put it? Sorry, I'm very new and want to learn.

[jiminyClickit]

mikedsokc,

You'll build a good foundation by trying different things. If your Canon's on a tripod, you can hold a piece of anything white and stiff (about 2 feet square or round) opposite to your light source. So in this instance, in your left hand, angled about 45 degrees from camera and in front/left of Lilly. Tilt the reflector until shadows are a little lighter, with more detail and you can see the little bright dot in both eyes. Granted, this is assuming no sudden movements frighten the pup. It's still better than flash; actually it's effective with flash, too. Practice is the key.

In general, if you can get all of a subject, it's good. If you can't get all, select a closer view (such as head, with ears, and front paws). When you cut off a small portion, it looks unplanned and snapshotty. You did well with Lilly, and if she'll let you, you can make portraits of her to be proud of. Look into Assignments here, under "Pets" for some really good examples.

[captainbill]

Two things you might want to try-1) Get a little lower so you are eye -to-eye level with the dog and not shoot down on it and 2) make sure your focus is on the eyes..make sure they are as sharp as you can get them. The story is in the eyes. Crop -Crop -Crop....Nice shot - Capt.