Pet Photos in Backyard - Need help and critique

[TheMaggedy]

For some reason I cannot seem to get sharp photos of my dog in our backyard. In other situations, yes, but not the backyard.

I think it's the shady filtered light. I see on at least a couple of these the camera picked ISO 1600 (I was trying Av mode) so I know that's part of it, but this seems to happen every time.

The best one in terms of sharpness (#4) was taken on another day completely (with a rented L lens I might add). These 3 were taken with the 50-250mm cheapie zoom - my first lens purchase. It does really well in bright light though, like at the dog park where there are no trees.

So first, the softness is bad right? And second, how can I correct it? Thanks,

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/4027103758_5c66743ebf_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/4027106722_f375e3af6f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/4027114034_cc2a7b19f5_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3996510563_4dcc4ce104_b.jpg

[Flo]

First off, he is such a fabulous looking dog!;)

I agree with you about the light..is it possible to get him into a shaded area where you can fill flash in? He looks like an agreeable model:D

ISO 1600 is going to really noise up the photos.try it at 400 or less, if he is still.

[B23da]

Flo is correct. Lowering the ISO to about 400 or 200 will be better. Also try raising the f/stop to get the full subject in focus.

[Flo]

Another question, do you have the picture style set on your menu? Try Faihtful if you are choosing one.it keeps your colors somewhat equal. All photos have different colors.

[TheMaggedy]

Thanks for the compliment. :) Actually he is a she, and she is really tough to shoot. 14 months old, never still, always moving. I will try keeping the ISO at 400 or below, raising the f/stop (I still want some background blur though), and I'll check my picture style.

So it sounds like it's more a problem of inexperienced photographer than lens/camera (T1i, 50-250mm)? It's ok. I can take it :)

[Flo]

SHE is beautiful.lol....

You will get the BG blur if you get close up. No need to be further away from her than need be.

[Andregen8]

I would love to critique your pictures...but your dog rocks! #4 is awesome!

[TheMaggedy]

Thank you (blushing) She is indeed a gorgeous girl. German shepherd out of West German lines plus she has the coated gene, which adds to her wow factor. I really appreciate the compliments on my pup, but please keep the suggestions about how to shoot in my shady, filtered light, all brown backyard coming ;)

I'm limited in where I can shoot her as she's almost never still. I hate to admit we don't have sit stay or down stay yet (she is the wildest most ADD puppy I've ever had, just waiting out puppyhood to finish training. 14 months old now, 10 months to go ... ?)

I will definitely set the ISO to 400 MAX and see if that helps but any other suggestions about shutter speed or f/stop are appreciated.

[stealers]

Lovely shots. Maintained your angle by taking them at the eye level of the subject. I would love using the fill flash to bring in more details of face.

[Flo]

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Photographing-Pets--a-how-to-guide-4747

try this