Karisa-L-Clark

Waking Up

The wonderful bliss of coffee aroma drifts into my bedroom. I feel something cold and wet hit my cheek and I open my eyes to see this... Oh! and did I mention t...
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The wonderful bliss of coffee aroma drifts into my bedroom. I feel something cold and wet hit my cheek and I open my eyes to see this... Oh! and did I mention that she drinks coffee?
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Jun, 2014

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4138

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Awards

Action Award

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Zenith Award

Top Shot Award 21

Legendary Award

Contest Finalist in Your Point Of View Photo Contest

Featured

People's Choice in Macro Nature in Black And White Photo Challenge

Staff Favorite

Superb Composition

+44

Peer Award

+43

Outstanding Creativity

+32

Top Choice

+31

Absolute Masterpiece

+21

Superior Skill

All Star

Genius

Magnificent Capture

Jaw Dropping

Emotions

Happy

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this picture in the kitchen. I reached for a mug to get my coffee and the dog made it clear she wanted some too. We have taught her to use syllables instead of just barking to tell us what she wants. For instance, if she wants to go outside, she will use her pitch and grunts to tell use two syllables for out-side. She is by far the smartest and prettiest dog we have owned.

Time

It was morning. The smell of coffee and the sudden feeling of wet and cold hit my cheek to wake up. There she was. My perfect alarm clock to start the day. I would like to say I am a morning person, but then I would be lying. However, my dog has made me enjoy the mornings as well as the day. I took this picture when I asked her if she wanted coffee while I was getting my own.

Lighting

The lighting was in a dim room, and contained a shot I just had to take. With the flash on and my puppy being photogenic, I took the picture hoping that I would get the perspective of a person just waking up in the morning, room still dark, and a puppies wet nose to say 'good morning!'

Equipment

I used a Kodak Easyshare Z760 6.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom. It was not the ideal camera for the photography I would like to take, but since I couldn't afford to get myself a high end camera, I've learned how to manipulate and manage the camera to create stunning and emotional pictures like this one. In my opinion, a camera does not make the photographer. A photographer utilizes whatever is around them to share a story, thought, or feeling however they can.

Inspiration

I must say I am like a proud sis' who couldn't take too many pictures of the new addition to the family. I am very camera-happy when it comes to my dog, Penny. I wanted people to feel the adorable reaction my puppy has when I first wake up in the morning. I usually get a nose in the face followed by a swift lick and then she jumps down expecting me to follow her out, like a child on Christmas morning.

Editing

I decided to make it a black and white picture, even though I really didn't like black and white photography, just to try something new and stretch my ideas. The result made me realize that my pictures do not always have to be in color. Black and white doesn't always mean outdated.

In my camera bag

The only things I had with me were my Kodak camera and an extra battery. This picture didn't require me to set foot outside the house, so I wasn't too worried about even having an extra battery. Usually I have found that the best photos are the ones taken on a whim... like this one. The most important piece of equipment is your passion and a desire to tell a story.

Feedback

Sometimes we try too hard to take pictures that we know might be picture-perfect or win us the prize, instead of photographing what we are really passionate about. My advice is to not be so frustrated about capturing the moment with the lens that you forget to embrace it through your memories. This picture is unique because I took it on a whim, and it captures the raw emotion of something cherished and longed for. Regardless of if you are a dog person or cat person. Or even if you are a pet person at all. The thought of waking up in the morning so sweetly makes us all smile.

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Karisa-L-Clark

Karisa-L-Clark

Waking Up

The wonderful bliss of coffee aroma drifts into my bedroom. I feel something cold and wet hit my cheek and I open my eyes to see this... Oh! and did I mention t... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Karisa-L-Clark

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The wonderful bliss of coffee aroma drifts into my bedroom. I feel something cold and wet hit my cheek and I open my eyes to see this... Oh! and did I mention t...
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