This weeks challenge was to shoot wide-open. Wide-open refers to the widest aperture that your lens allows. Depending on the lens you use, this could vary greatly. I have one fixed lens that I can shoot at an f- stop as low as 1.4. On another lens it only goes down to 3.5 or 4.0 depending on the light. It may not sound like a big difference, but it can make a big difference especially when you have a busy background.
The first image is of Rogan! This sweet dog was standing up on his hind legs and I wanted to have him in focus, but make everything outside in the window blur into the background in order that it did not become distracting to the image. I used an f- stop of 1.4 with this shot. The other images are taken with my other lens with an f-stop of 4.0. While these also make the background go to a blur, it is not as drastic. Rogan has been waiting for his forever home for too long. He is a sweet boy, but would be best in a home without children or cats. Come on down and visit Rogan at Second Chance.
I often will keep my f-stop at 4.0 in order to ensure the dogs nose is in focus. As you can see with this image of Cupcake. I used an f-stop of 1.4, but while the eyes are in focus, the nose is not. While it’s important for the eyes to be in focus, it is distracting to the viewer if the nose is out of focus since this is generally the first thing you will see.
Project 52-Blog Circle
This post is part of Project 52 which challenges Professional Pet Photographers to focus on a particular topic/assignment each week. There are photographers from all over the world participating. Follow the next link to view how the next amazing photographer tackles this weeks challenge. Then follow each link at the end of each blog until you return to me.. Then you have successfully completed our blog circle. Enjoy!
+++++ NOW head over to Pawparazzi Pet and Animal Photography presented by Shae Pepper to see how she her wide open shots+++++
Come and find your Best Friend!
Rogan, Grace, Cookie, Ubu and Blue are all available for adoption at Second Chance.
Second Chance has a unique program near Syracuse N.Y. where inmates train the rescued dogs and it gives both the dogs and the inmates a second chance in life. Come visit Second Chance Canine Shelter. We are open Saturdays and Sundays 10-2.
Friends of Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter
6660 E. Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078
315-435-5584
Website for Second Chance
Here are some pictures of the dogs at Second Chance that are looking for Homes.
Nancy Kieffer is a photographer serving the Central New York and Adirondack region and beyond. Travel assignments welcomed. If you would like to book a Day in the Life session for your pet, please email me at Nancy@nancykiefferphotography.com or call 315-469-8807. Nancy also offers instruction in photography and Lightroom.
