post processing, pet portrait.

Hi all,

I'm just starting to learn about post processing and haven't done much of it, I'm also learning to find my way around the program and what everything means. I have Corel paintshop pro x4.

This is a photo I got of my sisters very challenging dog, Bella. I would like your input of the post processing I have done, as I don't want to over do it. Which image do you prefer and why? Any other C&C is also welcomed.

The first one is the original, straight out of the camera (thought it would be helpful to show).
In the second one I haven't done much just a crop, sharpened the eye's just a little and added fill flash.
Thanks.

i like your edit but id go a bit more with it. i want a bit more contrast but still great shot. I've tried taking pictures of my daughters dogs and gave up. then wont hold still for a portrait!

Thanks howzitboy, I'm going to play around with the image some more as soon as I get the time, maybe play with the levels in the darks , mids and lights. This dog sure was challenging to capture, Bella is an easily frightened dog, simple everyday things can make her run and hide. In this shot she had just engaged in play with my hubby.

just love her expression...........s​he is doing some serious thinking.

i like what you have done so far.

thanks for sharing.

I think you've got it about right. Looks good.

^ ^ I agree. Nice shot! Might sharpen just the head a little bit more: A few words on SHARPENING:

Thank you Darkevs, Qbx and PhotosGuy for your input.

Thanks for adding the links PhotosGuy as that would have been my next question, to ask about the sharpening. Look forward to reading all the info.

How did you process the image? If raw, I would pull the shadows up more. Really for the best results, needs to be shot with better lighting.

I shot it in JPEG (need to change my settings to shot RAW, just keep forgetting to) I mentioned in the first post what I had changed. I had my reflector and my flash with me at the time of shooting, however for this particular dog I could not use them as she gets very frightened to easily. I shot this in the afternoon at 3.30-4.00 which I think was good light to work in, I personally like the contrast I think the shadows are just a bit to dark.