Mr. Personality
A few weeks ago I went to a local art show that is held every year. An old acquaintance has been showing and selling her work there for the past few years. She is a good photographer, good enough that she sells her work regularly. But I have noticed something interesting and disturbing. She has gone commercial. She only shoots one subject, the one that sells. I have seen the same images in her booth for the past three years, nothing new. Most of the work on display compositions of horses. You may ask what’s wrong with that? Nothing except that’s all she does, the same subjects photographed in the same way, she has lost her ability to be creative and experiment. This lady has become a one trick pony.
The portrait of this magnificent animal reminds me of one of the caricatures in the old paintings of dogs sitting around a table playing poker. This shot brings out the personality in the animal. Give him a bowler and a five cent cigar and he would fit right in. The photographer has managed to keep the background simple and the focus on the eyes. These are two important requirements of portrait photography.
I would like to see a little more depth of focus so we could get the face sharp from the tip of the nose to the tip of the ears. This can be done by using a larger f-stop or a shorter focal length lens.
Click on Image 
July 8th, 2008 at 6:57 am
This is a wonderful shot of a Boxer (I believe). It shows so much character. I like the dof as it is, but larger dof would also create a very nice version. Nice work! Congratulations to the photographer.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Thank you James for doing a critique on my photograph. You named it perfectly. This is Axel posing as if he is the bomb. I am still working on perfecting my DOF and sharpness on my pet photos. I would agree with you and Mr. Lehnerer about the DOF. By the way, Axel is a Red Nose Pitbull. I have been told that he resembles a Boxer though. He has a very large underbite.
Thank you Henrik for your kind comments on my photograph.
July 10th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I am sorry Jim, but I don’t see the relation between the horse photographer you know and this picture… I apologize if my doubt is naive but I don’t get it.
Lover, you know what I think of this picture =) Jorge (DA)
July 10th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Jorge, I think what James was trying to tell me is to expand my photography skills. I have sent James several photographs of a few of my dogs. I think he is pushing me to be more creative with my photography skills. I do understand where he is coming from. I need to start taking photographs of other animals. I have started doing just that.
I’m so happy that you like my photograph. It makes me keep pushing myself to become a better photographer. Thanks.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
OK, sorry to both of you, now I feel as if I had been a “nosey” fellow =). Anyway, yes, I fully agree with Jim, opening your scope refines your skills and drives towards better defining your style and preferences. Plus it is a great experience to try new other things. I would suggest to you not only animals, but any other subject you can think of. In the end you will probably end up as an expert domestic animal photographer, maybe because it is what you love, but don’t miss the chance to challenge yourself in other areas. Best regards, Jorge