storminthefields

King Kaiser

If this adorable, derpy dachshund doesn't warm your heart, then you don't have one.

If this adorable, derpy dachshund doesn't warm your heart, then you don't have one.
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FinePix S4250WM

settings

Aperture f/3.1 ISO 64 Shutter 1/55

upload_date

Dec, 2013

Views

138

Likes

Awards

Action Award

Zenith Award

Creative Winter Award

Legendary Award

Great Shot

Outstanding Creativity

Superb Composition

Top Choice

Absolute Masterpiece

Jaw Dropping

Magnificent Capture

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo on the front porch of my old home. Although the description says it was taken with a FinePix S4250WM, this was ACTUALLY taken with my very first DSLR, the Canon Rebel XT, and was one of the very first photos I had ever taken digitally.

Time

Kaiser has a very, *very* particular morning routine--just one of his many dachshund quirks. At 9:30am, every day, we have to go outside, together, so he can do his doggie deeds... sniff out any trouble and play with it... and, having secured the parameters, retires for a brief sunbath on the comfy kaiser-sized couch. I was sitting on the porch next to him, taking a few photos of my seedlings that had just sprouted, amazed by this new camera technology! Up until 2012, my only camera was the Canon AE-1 and my Lightroom was a darkroom. I glanced over my shoulder briefly and HELLO THERE, KAISER! He was looking down his long nose and right into my camera lens!

Lighting

This was simply natural, morning light. I always loved the way the light was filtered by the slightly off-white, yellowed awning overhead (you can see it in his eye if you look!), bathing the porch in this soft, golden light, making every color just a little more vivid.

Equipment

This was shot on a Canon Rebel XT with a 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 Ultrasonic zoom lens (still one of my absolute favorite lenses, by the way!). That's it!

Inspiration

The look Kaiser's face! He just sat there staring at me, staring at him through the viewfinder, and I snapped the photo. Isn't he photogenic?

Editing

At the time, I was just exploring Lightroom and all its possibilities. I didn't want to overdo it (I couldn't help turning him purple in one version though haha), so I tinkered a little with the split tones of faded gold and a neutral blue, with a little lean toward the gold. I may have done some adjustments of the highlight, shadow, whites, and blacks--but I can't say for certain. I sharpened and enhanced the details a little--not too much. I cast a slight vignette around the edges and, well, there you have it. No Photoshopping at all.

In my camera bag

On the topic of camera bags, let me just say this real quick: I carry a Herringbone camera bag. It's squared, worn across your body like a saddle bag--great for when you're out romping around in the world (backpacks just wear my back out). First, I make absolute certain I have a spare battery and one or two memory cards in the front pocket (just in case). Then, I pack my Canon 28-135mm lens with its lens hood and filters all in a protective case. My Canon 70D, mounted with a 55mm f/1.4 prime lens, is about all I have room for now in the main compartment. I make sure I keep a pen small notebook (a film photo habit I've never broken; film photographers, you know what I mean, right?) in the side pocket, lens cleaner, and that's about it!

Feedback

Always keep your eyes open, wandering through the viewfinder of your camera, exploring all the odd and enchanting perspectives of the world. Composition is so important to me, but don't overwork it. Sometimes it's A LOT closer than you think!

See more amazing photos, follow storminthefields

storminthefields

storminthefields

King Kaiser

If this adorable, derpy dachshund doesn't warm your heart, then you don't have one.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow storminthefields

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