I used my 10-24mm zoom for quite a few shots, trying to get close enough to fill the viewfinder. But I also wanted to use the 50mm for some informal portraits. Here are some examples, with the aperture set to f/2 or f/2.5 (to blur the backgrounds) and the D300 set on aperture-priority:
Here are a couple of examples using the 10-24mm:
When I think I'm close enough to my subject with this lens, I have to force myself to get closer. For me using an ultra-wide-angle lens means getting in close enough to make you feel like you're standing next to the subject, not for getting everything in.
I don't think I used the 18-200mm once. Also, while I had an SB-800 flash mounted, I used it when there were some deep shadows that needed a little filling. But with wet, sunlit black dogs I don't recommend using flash at all on them: they come out too shiny.
Finally, one last shot using the 50mm:
There used to be a greyhound there.
(Shot with the Nikon D300, the 10-24mm zoom, and 50mm lens; SB-800 flash; normal JPG.)
Ha ha ha! I kept looking at all the pictures as I went through the post thinking, every one is gorgeous, I can't pick a favorite! I love that last shot, though. What a considerate hound to lay down there and be so still so you could get that one!
ReplyDeleteI just love how you capture their eyes. It's one of the things that always grabs me when I look at Greyhounds. That brindle in the red collar is just adorable, too! I love that expression on her face.
thanks, carrie. i would not have seen the wet imprint on the asphalt if someone had not pointed it out to me. and if i had been a little quicker i would have been able to get a more complete imprint. but i do like the gap where the collar is and the arc of the tail.
ReplyDeletefocusing on the eyes is one thing i learned early. and it's a tip that you'll read mentioned in articles about photographing animals. i will place a focus spot on the eye and it will track the eye if the subject moves in the viewfinder, so that is a handy feature to have.
Don't Greyhounds have the most beautiful expressions. I try and focus on the eye too and take lots of photos and hope something turns out good:) But as I'm usually trying to take photos of moving dogs I'm lucky if anything comes out in focus!
ReplyDeleteThe wet dog imprint on the asphalt is novel:) I had to look at it a couple of times as at first I thought it was a copy of a really old photo with scratches on it. I'm sure I need new glasses!
if i'd noticed it sooner i think i could've gotten the head imprint. what i keep noticing is where the collar was, as well as what there is of the tail.
ReplyDeleteLove that last picture of the water-greyhound.
ReplyDeletethanks! i'm thinking i'd like to get a more complete water-greyhound next time. :D
ReplyDeleteJust found you! Love that last picture. I love them all though!!!
ReplyDelete@mad red hare: thanks for your comments, and glad that you found my blog. that last picture has gotten more comments than anything else here.
ReplyDelete