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FireDogPhotos
15th of August 2006 (Tue), 19:57
I like the shallow DOF on this shot of my dog Heidi, but I wonder if the nose being out of focus is a distraction?
As you can see, she's not impressed by having her "lounging time" interrupted by the camera.
102478
Thanks!
SubDude3000
15th of August 2006 (Tue), 20:07
Looks good, but

try not using the flash. It bugs the doggy. anyway I'm guilty of the same thing. Try out some natural light.

which camera are you shooting with?
FireDogPhotos
15th of August 2006 (Tue), 20:12
I'm using the 20D. This was shot with 17-85mm lens @ 41mm F/5. And you're right, I used a flash. The lighting in my living room (where this was taken) is very poor. So in order to avoid blurring, I used a flash. Next time I'll use a faster shutter speed instead.
SubDude3000
15th of August 2006 (Tue), 22:39
I'm not familiar with the 20d, but most likely you should be able to use a high iso instead of a flash...

I hope this is helpful (you've probably thought of that though)
StewartR
18th of August 2006 (Fri), 07:35
To answer the original question, I think the red collar (or whatever it is) is far more of a distraction than the nose being OOF...
beano
18th of August 2006 (Fri), 07:52
The best dog portrait i've ever seen had even less DOF than this one, just the eyes were in focus. I'd have to agree with Stewart about the red harness, much more of a distraction than any focus issues. ;)
taramcg
18th of August 2006 (Fri), 10:17
What a cute dog! I would love to see you try this shot again outdoors.
BaliHai
18th of August 2006 (Fri), 10:27
Try shooting at a higher ISO and possibley spot meter. A black dog is always tough, I photograph for the local Humane Society and just about every dog is black. Also try to shoot in natural light I look for the moment our black cat is lying in the sun, you can get some really pretty lighting on them.
Hellashot
19th of August 2006 (Sat), 09:02
I'm using the 20D. This was shot with 17-85mm lens @ 41mm F/5. And you're right, I used a flash. The lighting in my living room (where this was taken) is very poor. So in order to avoid blurring, I used a flash. Next time I'll use a faster shutter speed instead.

Shutter speed has nothing to do with it.
Such a dark subject and obviously dark enough for a standard flash. You "might" get a minimum shutter speed for your focal length at iso3200. Dark subjects are just difficult.