Our dog Banjo, napping by the Christmas Tree.
Our dog Banjo, napping by the Christmas Tree.
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Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 22
Creative Winter Award
Contest Finalist in Pets and Holidays Photo Contest
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Gary Fong Lighting Kit and more
Contest Finalist in 700 Pets Of Holidays Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
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Magnificent Capture
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rkengdahl
January 19, 2015
Wow! Thank you ViewBug and thank you voters! Happy to have a People's Choice winner here - and my dog, Banjo, will be very proud as well. Thanks!!
AlanJakarta
January 19, 2015
Beautiful shot of sleeping Banjo - probably tired after too much turkey etc ha ha. Congratulations on being the People's Choice Winner.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in my living room. My dog, Banjo, was snoozing on the couch by the Christmas tree. He's not allowed on the couch. Bad dog.Time
I don't remember the time of day - probably evening. There might have been a little diffused light from the window, but I think this is mostly incandescent light.Lighting
This is just "natural" lighting - incandescent bulbs and of course the Christmas lights in the background. I did not use a flash, but instead steadied the camera on the couch and took a slow, 3.2 second exposure at f/2.8.Equipment
I'm using a Canon Rebel T4i with a nice Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L lens. My EXIF data tells me that I was shooting at 23mm. I was probably about 12 inches from this pooch's snout.Inspiration
This photo was fairly spontaneous. It was over the holidays, my camera was out, and my dog was sleeping. Rather than kick him off the couch, I decided to take a photo. I knew the Christmas Tree lights in the background would make for nice bokeh!Editing
Processing was done in Lightroom. Nothing too drastic - just balanced the colors and tweaked the exposure. I did darken the edges, especially his ear, which was a little wet with medicine and looked kinda gross. TMI, I know, but it was a distraction that had to be dealt with.In my camera bag
I'm currently stuck with my Rebel, which has served me well. I carry a few lenses - 50mm prime, 40mm pancake for street, the wide-zoom used for this shot, and my first walk-around ES F 15-85. A few extra cards, some cleaning equipment, a Manfrotto tripod and I'm on my way.Feedback
As for capturing something similar, I'd just say if you have a fleeting thought to take a shot, follow through. I could have easily let this moment pass by. Technically, there's nothing too tricky here. Don't be afraid to get close, especially if you have a wide lens. Small lights in the background make for great bokeh, so open up the aperture as wide as you can. I may have gone too wide (too shallow) pulling his fur out of focus a bit, but since the eye is sharp (even though it's closed) the photo still works. Most importantly, get a good dog. And don't let him on the couch. Except sometimes.