Photographing Animals and Basic Techniques

Milk Duds. ID#85486. Photo taken by WCAS volunteer. Copied 5/21/13.

This photograph really caught my attention when I was navigating through the Wake County animal shelter's website (http://www.wakegov.com/pets/Pages/default.aspx). The high resolution and quality are not the only aspects of this photo that make it eye catching but the basic techniques used in this image as well.  

1. This image presents a shallow depth of field, meaning the dog is in focus, but his background is not. The dog is the emphasis of the image, causing the viewer's focus to be on the dog. We are not focusing on the environment the animal is in.
2. His eyes are gorgeous and irresistible! There is a simple technique in Photoshop that involves brightening the eyes with a paint brush tool, and I am assuming that technique was used in this image as well. This technique enhances the irresistibility factor of the animal, allowing them to appear more adoptable than they already are! 
3. It's hard to catch it with a glance, but there is a very slight vignette effect in this image, darkening the corners and drawing our eyes in towards the center to focus on the animal. This technique is not only visually pleasing, but it guides the viewers eyes to the animal in a similar way as the shallow depth of field. 

These three basic techniques can make a world of a difference when taking or editing photos of animals. Because this image contained these three traits, I was drawn to it immediately compared to the other photos.
 
When editing my photos in Photoshop, I also tried to incorporate some of these techniques that are seen in Milk Duds's photo in my own photos. Here's an example:

Wally. ID#88346. He has forever touched my heart. One of the most loving and happy dogs I have had the pleasure to meet. Words can't begin to explain how much I love Wally, from the 7 minutes I spent with him, and how much I wish him a good home.

 This image presents a shallow depth of field, as seen in the photo of Milk Duds. Wally's face is the focus and point with most clarity in this image. His environment blurs out behind him, allowing the viewers eyes to focus on his face first and foremost (look at that smile). I brightened the high lights in his eyes to stimulate the irresistibility factor of this image to the viewer (look at those puppy dog eyes). Last but not least, I added a vignette effect. I made it more apparent than the vignette seen in the previous photo because I really wanted to draw our eyes to lovable, little Wally. He deserves all the attention in the world. 

In case you haven't read the caption to my photo yet, you need to know that Wally would make an amazing addition to the family. I repeat: He has forever touched my heart and I am absolutely in love with this dog.

-P.Ro