I had a request for a cute dog shot

[JBW]

[madcrow]

And you gave us one. Nice shot.

[Ken MT]

Could I suggest that you clone out the twigs above the dog's head

[JBW]

Could I suggest that you clone out the twigs above the dog's head

yes you could and I thought about it but I like how they enhance the lines

[bnnrcn]

+1to Ken. Lovely dog Brian, but I don't think the twigs are adding to the image

[JBW]

+1to Ken. Lovely dog Brian, but I don't think the twigs are adding to the image

hmmmm perhaps this is one of those very make that exceptionally rare occasions where I mess up?

[Manfred M]

Brian - the way you should look at an image is that if an element in that shot does not add to the overall image, it should not be there. Light coloured or high contrast elements tend to jump out at the viewer, and I have to agree with both ken and Binnur's comments.

[bje07]

+1to Ken. Lovely dog Brian, but I don't think the twigs are adding to the image

+1

[Mike Buckley]

Great color and detail in the dog! A different angle would have been preferable but I understand why that might not have been possible for you.

I like how they [the twigs] enhance the lines

Exactly which lines and how do they enhance them? I ask because I'm curious to know your thought process when you analyzed those details of the image.

[rpcrowe]

This is sure a cute dog. Is this the pup that you posted pictures of early on?

I tried this with brightening just his eyes a bit and I seem to like it a little better.

[Mike Buckley]

I tried this with brightening just his eyes a bit and I seem to like it a little better.

You also changed the reddish tones of the dog's hair to golden tones as viewed on my calibrated monitor.

[Shadowman]

Nicely captured, request met.

[Cantab]

You also changed the reddish tones of the dog's hair to golden tones as viewed on my calibrated monitor.

And on my unprofiled and uncalibrated iPad.

[JBW]

This is sure a cute dog. Is this the pup that you posted pictures of early on?

I tried this with brightening just his eyes a bit and I seem to like it a little better.

Yes it is but his eyes are dark.

[JBW]

Great color and detail in the dog! A different angle would have been preferable but I understand why that might not have been possible for you.



Exactly which lines and how do they enhance them? I ask because I'm curious to know your thought process when you analyzed those details of the image.

You're not alone in wondering about my thinking

If you follow Choco's back from bottom left to his head you will note the left twig nicely fits into the curve. The right one follows his nose line. I was also thinking that they stopped the top being monotonous. Many people whose opinion I respect are disagreeing with me. Chances are good I made the wrong but thought out choice

[JBW]

Brian - the way you should look at an image is that if an element in that shot does not add to the overall image, it should not be there. Light coloured or high contrast elements tend to jump out at the viewer, and I have to agree with both ken and Binnur's comments.

I thought they did add. Not that this would be the first time I got it wrong

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks for explaining the analysis of the details that justify for you leaving the twigs in place. For me, the imaginary lines that might connect those twigs with the real lines you mentioned aren't strong enough to truly make the connection. Just the way my eyes see those details.

[Manfred M]

I thought they did add. Not that this would be the first time I got it wrong

If the elements are substantial and a significant part of the image, then what you have written can often be the case. If they are small and inconsequential elements, especially if they appear at or run off the edge, they are usually distracting elements. These things need to look like you have done them on purpose, rather than by accident and usually need to lead the viewer's eyes towards the subject, not off the page.