This week’s challenge is one of composition; focusing on the pet’s eyes, the “windows to the soul”. This is accomplished by framing the shot tightly, excluding some of the other facial features, and/or using a shallow depth of field. This can also be done through cropping, but the challenge was to frame the shot in-camera with no cropping, and I was able to accomplish that – there was no editing of the photo I chose.
For this shot, it would have been obvious to use Luke as my model (and we did do shots of Luke as well and I’ll share the best). With his young, clear, soulful brown eyes he’s perfect. I wanted to do something different though. Cricket’s eyes have the cloudiness that is common in dogs of her age (12). In fact, at her last yearly vet exam last May, the vet asked us if she was showing signs of losing her eyesight; because she saw evidence of that during her exam.
We had not then, and now, several months later, we still do not. The Dadz and I had just discussed this the other day, when he had been outside playing with her. He was throwing a white ball in the snow, all the way across the yard, and Cricket had no trouble finding it at all! Even I have trouble spotting it sometimes. While she may be tracking it down somewhat with her nose, she still has to watch where it is thrown. My hubby had laughed at me when I gave the dogs this Planet Dog “Snowball” (*affiliate link) one Christmas, but as it turns out, it’s been fine even in the winter! The letters that were on it are long since worn off, from so much use.
Choosing Cricket as my model was far more challenging, especially outdoors, because getting her to stand still is nearly impossible, especially when there’s a ball around!
I thought this was the best shot of Luke’s beautiful eyes:
Do you think I made the right choice to enter Cricket’s photo?
I love Cricket’s expressive eyes.
Hi my dear friend! It’s been a while. I’ve missed you! These are beautiful photos of both of your dogs Janet! You did a great job. I would love to be a part of this challenge. Mommy is having quite a “challenge” seeing any blue left in my eyes anymore. She just found out I have a condition that has robbed them of the pretty colors they used to be…but I can see and that’s all that matters!
Hope to talk to you soon. Love, Pixel
Again, it was so nice to hear from you, Pixel! Thank you, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos. I’m sorry to hear that you are losing your beautiful blue eyes…but so glad that it has not affected your eyesight.
Sending love from all of us! ♥
I love both photos so much that it’s difficult to pick a favorite. I love the reflections of love shining back at you, especially in the the photo of Cricket’s eyes. I can see the love in Luke’s eyes, too; but the close-up of Cricket really brings it out. ❤
PS. I had to NOT put in my contacts to be able to see the ball – both in the snow and in Cricket’s mouth. LOL.
Sometimes she drops it at my feet and starts barking at me, and I’m like “Cricket, be quiet, I can’t even see the darn thing!” LOL
PS…I’m not sure if the love you see in her eyes is for me or the ball, but more likely the ball. 😉
You made the PAWfect choice! I’m still trying to find the white ball LOL
Yes, we say good choice too, we voted and the eyes have it!
Those are some great eye close ups. 🙂
Yes, an excellent choice.
Both are stunning and full of love!
I love both photos! Eyes are one of the first things I notice about people and animals. You really can discover so much from looking into them. ♥ I am so blind without my glasses that I would lose not just the ball but the entire dog too! LOL!
Beautiful photos – their eyes certainly do speak.
We see the white snowball! And yes Luke your eyes are beautiful
Snorts,
Lily & Edward
They are both beautiful shots. I think you made the right choice entering the photo of Cricket–I love the way she’s off-center and her head has that little bit of tilt to it. What a lovely girl!
That’s a fabulous photo of Crickets’ eyes! I Lukes too but The expression on Crickets face and her looking at something else is excellent.
Thank you, Lorna! Cricket always has her eye on the ball….though getting her to stand still and not bark at me to throw that ball is quite challenging! 🙂
Love both shots and especially love the reflections in them. So cool! Great job!
It’s a great shot of Cricket. Mom says, even though one dog may not be the best choice for everything, sometimes you need to use the other dog because they deserve it and it makes you feel good.
Thank you! Luke tends to get more attention since he’s really a better model, and because he’s more needy! Yes, Cricket deserves her time in the limelight too, and it does make me feel good to give it to her.
I like them both. They have wonderful eyes.
Yes!!!! They’re both great pics but the one of Cricket is my favorite.
Nice job, I couldn’t pic out the ball in the first photo, lol. Luke’s eyes are stunning.
You do have to be really patient to get doggy pics some times.
yes… the one who said this once with the eyes and the soul looked in the eyes of your cricket… I’m sure