here is a picture of Bella

[purplepeople8r]

[ShaneS]

Bella is quite the proud and lovely looking pup, Patti. I wonder if you could capture a better image of her without such a cluttered background and in natural light (I believe that is a reflection of a flash in her eyes?). I also find the vignette a bit distracting but that is a personal preference.

BTW, Welcome to CIC

[Goldcoastgolfer]

I agree with Shane, Patti. You have a lovely looking dog which would really take centre stage in the photo if there were less distracting elements in the background. I was also wondering what sort of flash you were using?

And welcome to CIC - I've just got back here myself.

[purplepeople8r]

I used the flash from the camera.. and I was just trying use the aperture and to get the camera off program. Bella seems to sit still till the camera is on her and then she becomes camera shy. I am still learning what this D5100 does.

[rpcrowe]

This is a great start with Bella. It's good that she was not looking into the lens. Often with on-camera flash a dog's retina reflects a flash that is positioned close to the lens like the built-in. You get blue-green eyes that look like a monster from a 1950's horror movie. The way to get around it is either to use available light, a separate flash or don't shoot the dog looking directly at the camera.

I agree that the BG could have been a bit less intrusive...

[Aforns]

Molto Bella Patti !! Love the expression and pose !!