self-portrait...kinda

since it was so gorgeous out today, i decided to go out to a lake by my house with my dog (wired-haired dachshund...don't see many in the U.S., actually brought him over on a plane from Poland) and I felt like it was a good idea to swim across the lake. Needless to say, the dog wasn't too fond of the idea and looked pretty scared, so I kept him on my chest as I did backstroke for most of the trip while he kept "swimming" along, scratching me up like crazy...as you can see. I just thought this shot was kinda cool. Obviously did a little PP work on it (reduced vibrance, some vignetting, overlay layer). I never thought I would use the 1/8000 shutter speed of the 40D, but I guess on very bright days you do. Taken with a 50 f/1.4 @ f/2.8, ISO 100, wireless remote shutter (as you can see). Made this my avatar for the time being until I get something good. Lemme know your thoughts.

Sorry, deleted picture

Looks like you had a fight with a tiger, or you fell through a redwood forrest. Scars = coolness...

I wish there was more detail (light) in both your face and the dog. Everything falls into the background and we cant see you or the dog... especially in your avatar. I couldnt tell what was going on in your avatar with out this blow up.

It is a rare dog... id make sure it would be lit so everyone else could see how beautiful it is..

I don;t think the dog was thrilled Next time maybe pull it on a raft.lol...

Played a little to brightn up the both of you....

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I agree with you guys - my face and the dog are both too dark. But brightening the whole picture loses the contrast on my body and I was trying to emphasize the scratches. I think selective brightening would look better, but I never have much luck making it look real then. Also, the composition + lighting aren't the best with the sun being very bright and shining directly at me creating a bad shadow under my chin. There are challenges in taking a picture via wireless remote and not being able to adjust composition on the fly. Thanks for the comments guys.

Flo wrote in post #5695594
There are quite a few WHD around town here, good sized dog for condo living which is hugely popular.

It's odd, but my dog seems to have the needs of a large dog even though he's only like 20 lbs. With several family members and my dad's love of hiking/hunting, he gets tons of exercise and seems to need it. They were initially bred as hunting dogs to help out with hunting and anything with burrows, so I think they have a large need for exercise. Anyway, that's probably not for this forum.