Post Your Pets!

[ddt0725]

Steve, these are adorable photos! Nala was obviously a big snuggle bug! My dogs only like to snuggle with humans and Sammy will express his displeasure with a muffled grumble and get up & walk away if one of the dogs gets in his personal space when he is lying down! Buddy & Lucky used to used to snuggle with each other just like yours when they were pups but not so much anymore. But all three play together very well so no complaints!

Here is a shot I took of Buddy yesterday. I tried my best with replacing the background and making it look natural but I'm really struggling with teaching myself how to do this! Especially when there is wispy hair, etc.
If anyone that views this could post a link on the best way to do this using layers or some instructions on what the refine edge settings should be on, it would be hugely appreciated!


Buddy by Denise Trocio ( www.dtrociophotography.com), on Flickr

[bob williams]

Steve, these are adorable photos! Nala was obviously a big snuggle bug! My dogs only like to snuggle with humans and Sammy will express his displeasure with a muffled grumble and get up & walk away if one of the dogs gets in his personal space when he is lying down! Buddy & Lucky used to used to snuggle with each other just like yours when they were pups but not so much anymore. But all three play together very well so no complaints!

Here is a shot I took of Buddy yesterday. I tried my best with replacing the background and making it look natural but I'm really struggling with teaching myself how to do this! Especially when there is wispy hair, etc.
If anyone that views this could post a link on the best way to do this using layers or some instructions on what the refine edge settings should be on, it would be hugely appreciated!


Buddy by Denise Trocio ( www.dtrociophotography.com), on Flickr

Denise, This is a great portrait of Buddy, One of your best. and.... there is a market for pet photographers---. That said, I think you are taking the wrong approach by removing/replacing backgrounds. Although I love the work that you have done with textures with your macro and flowers, I personally think that no matter how good you are with "selecting in photo shop" that you will eventually leave out those little details that give our pets and people character. Those fly away hairs and other whispy details are so important in portrait photography---especially with pets. My suggestion would be to purchase or manufacture backgrounds and include them in your portrait photos. For other Genres, I am looking forward to any responses you get on this post---selecting a subject in photoshop is a skill that challenges me as well.


Again, Very nice portrait of Buddy. This is the type of pet pictures that sell.

Bob

[ddt0725]

Denise, This is a great portrait of Buddy, One of your best. and.... there is a market for pet photographers---. That said, I think you are taking the wrong approach by removing/replacing backgrounds. Although I love the work that you have done with textures with your macro and flowers, I personally think that no matter how good you are with "selecting in photo shop" that you will eventually leave out those little details that give our pets and people character. Those fly away hairs and other whispy details are so important in portrait photography---especially with pets. My suggestion would be to purchase or manufacture backgrounds and include them in your portrait photos. For other Genres, I am looking forward to any responses you get on this post---selecting a subject in photoshop is a skill that challenges me as well.


Again, Very nice portrait of Buddy. This is the type of pet pictures that sell.

Bob

Thanks Bob! I have a backgrounds but once I use those with my dogs, they instantly like to put their serious face on. So, most of the time the shots of them are spontaneous and the background isn't always desireable even if it is somewhat blurred. With my dogs, usually it's another dog and it can be distracting. I am practicing alternatives in those situations with both my dogs and people.

[Joel Eade]

Steve, these are adorable photos! Nala was obviously a big snuggle bug! My dogs only like to snuggle with humans and Sammy will express his displeasure with a muffled grumble and get up & walk away if one of the dogs gets in his personal space when he is lying down! Buddy & Lucky used to used to snuggle with each other just like yours when they were pups but not so much anymore. But all three play together very well so no complaints!

Here is a shot I took of Buddy yesterday. I tried my best with replacing the background and making it look natural but I'm really struggling with teaching myself how to do this! Especially when there is wispy hair, etc.
If anyone that views this could post a link on the best way to do this using layers or some instructions on what the refine edge settings should be on, it would be hugely appreciated!


Buddy by Denise Trocio ( www.dtrociophotography.com), on Flickr

Denise,

I don't think there are any specific settings for refine edge that work on everything....you have to experiment with the feathering and other controls almost on each image to see what works best. One thing I would suggest (if you haven't done so already) you download a trial version of Topaz Remask. With some practice it is possible to do some very fancy selections, including hair. I believe there is a YouTube Video on the process.

On your recent image of Buddy, the main thing that stands out is the bottom of the image because the texture should not be running vertical there. That is what makes it look unnatural to me. Also the top edge of his left leg needs some work.. it looks like he has 2 front legs

I think you should continue to work on the process and you will conquer it. Each image, however, will take some time to process.