Not being a skier or snowmobiler, I am quite enjoying the mild weather we're have here in upstate NY! It's supposed to be in the low 50's over the next few days! While taking the dogs out this morning, I set up my buddy "Dutch" for a picture(one of my worst subjects as he hates posing!). What do you think? I'm open to ALL suggestions and comments.

Glad to see you are enjoying this weather. I too am enjoying this wonderful winter. Although with Siberians, they are not as happy.

Suggestions- Try and find background that is not as busy for such a lovely brindle coat. You might want to crop this image slightly from the left and more so on the right. I also would like you to shoot vertical. Might be nice to see what I would is a pretty chest on your pup. Watch out for the trees that compete for interest with the ears.

Nice to see you posting images. Happy New Year.

Hi Michelle,

Beautiful guy - I agree with Peggy Sue. The thing to do, I think, is to be careful about the background as it is a bit distracting. I like the photograph otherwise - and make the comment about the background only as a knitpick.

As to the weather - it is driving me crazy. I am in a state of absolutely enjoying it and waiting for the other shoe to drop. It has been about 20 degrees warmer, on average, than it should be. Saturday, they are talking about 65 degree heat - something that is unheard of at this time of year (closer to mid-late April temperatures).

James

Thanks Peggy Sue and James for taking a look and offering the great suggestions. I'm still trying to figure out how to blur the background more(something to do with the F-stops???) The thing I have the most trouble with is my mind is NOT mathematical/technical at all and I'm having the hardest time grasping that the higher the number the smaller the aperture and the +/- for WB, etc. etc. If you know of any articles that explain the whole process in "laymens" terms, I would love to read it! Meanwhile, it's going to be another beautiful day, so I'll take some more shots and maybe post some tonight!

You have a great eye for composition from your photos. I honestly do think that if you are selling your services as a professional, you need to understand the basics about photography.

find a photography class at a college nearby or even a private class and take it. It will really help make a lot of this stuff clear and improve your technical side of photography

When only shooting with a point and shoot, it isn't a big deal. When you start using a DSLR, it is really a shame to leave it on a program mode. There is so much creatively that can be done in manual and aperture priority!