Quote Originally Posted by ddt0725 View Post
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