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rkengdahl

Holiday Dog

Our dog Banjo, napping by the Christmas Tree.

Our dog Banjo, napping by the Christmas Tree.
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Canon EOS 650D

settings

Aperture f/2.8 ISO 100 Shutter 32/10

upload_date

Dec, 2014

Views

1555

Likes

+131

Awards

Chatter Award

Zenith Award

Top Shot Award 22

Creative Winter Award

Contest Finalist in Pets and Holidays Photo Contest

Featured

Gary Fong Lighting Kit and more

Contest Finalist in 700 Pets Of Holidays Photo Contest

Peer Award

+51

Superb Composition

+24

Top Choice

+24

Absolute Masterpiece

+15

Outstanding Creativity

+11

All Star

Genius

Magnificent Capture

Superior Skill

Top Ranks

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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.

See more amazing photos, follow rkengdahl

rkengdahl

rkengdahl

Holiday Dog

Our dog Banjo, napping by the Christmas Tree.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow rkengdahl

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