Starr

This is one of Tara's pups taken with my K20 and Sigma 50-500 (Bigma) please give me your serious C&C as I have been asked to produce greeting cards with this, any suggested improvement most welcome,
Thanks,
Jack.

[IMG]http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq253/jackitec/star12.jpg[/IMG]

This is a good shot, Jack. With little room for improvement.
You have left enough space on the right for text.
The only "problem" I have is with the puppy's left eye.
Its obscured by the fur, and thereby takes down the power of those puppy eyes. And as a suggestion maybe you could consider flipping the image 180 degrees horizontally. So the text space is on the left and IMHO works better visually. And by doing that the dog is looking into the frame, instead of looking out the frame.

I have played a little with the two issues. If you like, I upload it here as a example.

Martin.

Thanks Martin, I have lots of other shots to play with but please upload to give more ideas.
Jack.

Coming up in a moment.

Does seem a bit serious, couldn't you get him to smile?

Here it is, Jack.




Martin.

Personally, I don't like the background. It looks blotchy. I'd be tempted to change it somehow. But I do like the expression.

Thanks Martin, looks not bad I'll upload another shortly.

Thanks for that, the background has to be plain to allow for the text.

This is Prince, I made this a little bit softer, allowing a bit more space for text.

[IMG]http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq253/jackitec/prince12.jpg[/IMG]

Sorry Jack,
The last one doesn't work for me. By softening up PP wise (I'll guess)
you have taken away the major selling point of that furry little chap. I really think it needs the detail on the fur. This type of softening looks a bit artificial, to my eyes.

But......a lot of little girls (thus parents) would probably fall for it, regardless......

Martin.

Just to give you an idea, without the text.

[IMG]http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq253/jackitec/Image1-3.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks Martin, you are right too soft, anyway I'll keep playing with them I have loads to play with, just didn't want to bore anyone,
Jack.

You are not boring anyone Jack. Your pictures are delightful and Martin's advice instructive.
david

Jack,

Try this to clean the background up a bit (in photoshop)

Open your image in PS.

Layer --> Duplicate Layer. Click Ok.

Layer --> Blending Options--> Change from Normal to Screen. Click Ok. You now have a white image.

Layer --> Duplicate Layer. Click Ok. Even whiter.

Layer --> Blending Options--> Change from Screen to Overlay. Now the image is really strange

Change the opacity until you are happy with the image. Click on okay.

Now to get a really white background, click on Layer --> New Adjustment Layer --> Levels

In the histogram, drag the white arrow to the right, left a little. Watch your image.

Also drag the middle arrow for the subjects a little until you are happen.

Click on Ok.

Now click on Layer and flatten image.