Photo Challenges

[FG167]

I'm taking part in three different 52 week photo groups. One for dogs in general (Kastle is my subject for the year), one for conceptual challenges that may or may not include dogs, and one of dogs with specific themes. It's really pushing me to take more photos, think outside the box, and stretch my comfort zone. I'll try to keep this updated with my projects. All of the photos need to be taken during the active week, not before or after.

Week 1 I used the same photo for all three challenges...I was supposed to show a picture of my dog and also one of myself that described me without showing my face. I chose to do a picture of our nightly ritual - I have a cup of tea, my Nook, my laptop, and Kastle curled up next to me.



Week Two was supposed to be a portrait for one, a moving water photo for another and then anything I wanted for the third. I ended up using three different pictures...

Portrait - his intense face


Moving water - I had never used my remote, my tripod, or taken a long exposure before this shot


My fave photo of the week - I love the curves and straight lines of this picture


Week Three (now) was very challenging for me. This week I needed to capture a picture of Kastle sleeping and also choose an artist to mimic.

Kastle sleeping


The artist I chose...ok, I had no idea what artists' shots I might like, Jason chose him...was William Wegman. I could post three photos but I took several more. It was a really hard thing to do. I don't have any external lighting, no backdrops, outside is not suitable, and my dog was WAY TOO ENTHUSIASTIC. Anyway. I used a dog blanket, draped over Kastle's indoor pen, in the basement, with my crappy flash (only fires about 1/4 times).

Original


My attempt


Original


My attempt(s)




Hope you enjoy and don't mind me sharing! I am very excited about spending the year getting better at my photography. My New Year resolution was to only shoot in Manual mode on my camera for a year...so far, so good!

[Kyleigh]

Well the professional might have some GOOD shots, but personally, I LOVE yours much better ... maybe it's the GSD, maybe it's because Kastle looks so dang happy!!!!

You've got a natural eye, and have posted some beautiful pics!!! Congrats!

[Cassidy's Mom]

I love these!!!

[Castlemaid]

I agree with Kyleigh - the artistic composition and palpable emotional feel of these pictures are amazing. I think you would do outstanding work no matter what medium you choose. My favorite is also the scene with the boardwalk and the bridge in the background.

Looking forward to further installments.

[Liesje]

Really cool! Did you shoot the last ones at home? Did you use a backdrop or erase the background?

[holland]

Great shots-looks like kastle is enjoying the photo shoots

[GSDGunner]

Wow! Your pictures are AWESOME! You're very talented. I'm very impressed.
I once had aspirations to be a professional photographer. I used to be good at taking live band photos. I wanted to be like Ross Halfin & Mark Weiss (famous rock photographers).
I was good, but just never followed through with it. One of my biggest regrets. But at least I have my old photos of a lot of bands.

Good for you! Keep it up, you do great work.

[frillint1]

Awesome photos. He does look so excited in all of them. I love that boot one and the bridge. He looks so excited in that boot one. Chief would probably freak if I tried that and no way would he stay.

[glinny]

I love your photos. Where did you find these groups? In your area or on the internet?

[arko]

Hello everyone, just welcoming my pal Rush and myself to this awesome forum.