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Friday, August 31, 2012

Portal to the Unknown

Portal to the Unknown


Dog Blog Post #796



Photography Assignment


Daily Dog Challenge "305. Once In A Blue Moon"…

… I decide to try to get a shot of the boys catching cookies.

It never goes well, which is probably why I don't try very often.

Our Daily Challenge - Aug 31, 2012 - "Portal to the Unknown"

It won't be unknown for long for that cookie.

Before and After


Before and After


Scavenge Challenge September 2012 - "25. Post-processing - a single photo represented in two ways ("before" and "after"). Paired images must be posted as a side-by-side diptych so that the comparison may be easily seen, using graphics tools only to improve an image (the operative word in that sentence is "improve," as opposed to "go to extremes"). Enriching color, increasing or decreasing contrast, pulling up heavy shadows or reducing overblown highlights..."

The top half of the diptych, above, is straight out of the camera, shot RAW. The bottom is the same as the picture at the top of this post.

The biggest issue I deal with on a daily basis is drool, and cloning it away takes more time than any other activity. There is definitely a knack to it, as you can't always find fur just the right color, length, and direction for a straight clone and have to know when to switch to a semi-transparent clone to try to blend in the slobbers.

In addition to that, this photo also been cropped, run through the auto Levels and Curves that Aperture provides, selectively highlighted on Henry's muzzle and chin, cloned out the white of the pillow by his ear (right) and lamp stand (above it), blended slightly in that area with the polarizer, draped in a heavy vignette to try to separate him from a background that is pretty much the same color as he is, and finally sharpened.

Whew!

And no, I don't normally do that much, but then I usually shoot against backdrops so I don't have to find the dog in the picture!

Also Rans


Portal to the Unknown


Portal to the Unknown


Portal to the Unknown


The Solution


Don't try this assignment again until the next blue moon?

-- Like the idea of a daily dog photography prompt? Click on Daily Dog Challenge and join us!

© 2012 BZ Training - All Rights Reserved

11 comments:

  1. **waves paw** Just dashed over from the Pet Bloggers Hop and now following you.

    These pictures are amazing!

    I'm gonna enjoy following your blog I can tell.

    Gotta dash and check out a few more blogs.

    Badger Boo x

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  2. I love these action shots, found you via Badger Boo..

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  3. These shots are too cute not to share. So glad you did

    Doggy kisses,
    Tanner

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  4. Nice shots! And hilarious!!! :D

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  5. Ok I'll say it-- I think it's kind of hilarious that you edit out drool. I generally have to clone out eye boogers and the occasional, um, something peeking, but I've never thought to clone out drool!

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  6. I'm still grinning like an idiot at the first picture, but after seeing all the also rans, I have a new appreciation for it. That's a lot of work! I have my own process of cleaning up that I do, though, and I am betting it's as important to you as it is to me. You did a great job with it!

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  7. Amazing photos! Look like a lot of fun! My goof-boy can never catch a cookie.

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  8. I LOVE the shot with those eyes wide open in anticipation. The look on his face is precious!

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  9. Hi Y'all!

    Just hoppin' by to say "hi".

    Love the expressions!

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  10. Wow, we love all the pictures! Thanks fur the inspiration! Mom has the tools, she just needs to make the time to learn to use them! Thanks pals!

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