Portraits from the weekend

Had a special agility training weekend over Easter and took some portrait shots during lunch break, have`nt had time to tweak much [ plus I don`t have my contacts in at the mo to rest the ol` eyes for a few days ], but the owners of the dogs seem happy with the shots and, along with the action shots I took, I have been asked for permission for some to be used for greetings cards which are handmade to raise funds for various dog charities - ok not a big thing like it would be for a pro photographer having images used for Hallmark or anything like that but I`m absolutely chuffed to bits that some of my shots will be used for something nice

For these shots I laid on the ground and had the handlers move either side of me and behind me to get the dogs looking in the directions I wanted, and directed the handlers to lower or raise the hand the dogs were watching, [ hand loaded with treat or toy of course ], depending on if the dogs were also laying down or if they sat up, [ as I got a couple of nice nostril shots otherwise ], but I loved taking these and would like to do more of this type so as always your comments for improvement will be most helpful

Just a small selection, I won`t bombard you with the whole lot that I took












Thanks for looking

Some good shots there Patch LOVE the last one!

If I were editing it I might just crop (or clone) out the orange fence thing tho

Thanks Azz

( I will be cloning out the netting when I put my contact lenses back in so I can see what I`m doing properly )

Well done, really like the third one, nice and clear.

The third one has to be my favourite, classic head shot with a nice neutral background that doesn't detract from the dog. Really nice shot

The third shot for me too, great portrait, and a yummy dog Your dog shots are just fab! Well done Patch, your practice has paid off xx

Third one is superb and should NOT be in the beginners section, its a lovely portrait!! Well done patch!!

Id try to lose the leads and collars if you can, they do distract a bit.

You're getting better at each shooting Patch. The third photo in the group is a real "keeper". I wish I had an hour with you to teach you a bit about selective editing. A black dog takes special process so as not to lose detail in eith the black or white portions of their fur. Still you're doing fine.

Patch you are going from strength to strength and I agree with the others number 3 it top notch.

Couple of points, no three,

1/ could you number please if you have more than 2 images on a post.

2/ For me the last would work better if you removed the left third or had remembered where you were placing him when you took it.

3/ Think your work is now at a stage when it is good enough to be presented to your public after you have found time and contact lens to at least crop your shots before uploading, mind you 3 I think needs no attention at all and PP will not improve number 4 unless you want to go to the trouble of removing the trees something I would not do but you may wish to.

And at least with this lens and dogs I think you should consider coming out of Beginners so I can have a real go at you

Love these all Patch, they're brilliant!
I especially like #2, #3 and the the last one.
Some gorgeous dogs too.