My friend, Erica, directed me to a local pet photo contest, and I'd love to enter, despite the fact that I use a relatively cheap point and shoot digital camera. I have a feeling that folks with nice SLRs and lots-o-megapixels will be able to outshine my humble collection but all the entry fees go towards a great cause so I think I'm going to try.
So I was hoping that, perhaps, a couple of you could help me decide what photos to enter. I think I'd be willing to enter up to 10 pictures (I'll have to spend some money to get good prints done, so I don't want to go crazy) but since I love the subject matter so much, I'm don't trust myself to pick the best shots from the lot. A cute expression is far more appealing to me than a nice composition.
There's one caveat, all "companion pets" must have visible tags and collars, so I can only use shots from our hikes and beach trips. All of the shots at home, when the girls are collarless, are not allowed. Poo. Panda is floofy enough that you can't always see her collar even when she's wearing it, which may actually exclude some of the shots in this post.
Anyway, almost all my pup shots can be found here. I've peppered this post with a few of my personal favorites, but by no means would I consider these the only possible entry shots.
Resolution is also a factor, so some pictures I love are out because I can't print them at the required 8" x 10" dimensions.
So anyway, if you have any thoughts, leave me a comment here with a link to the picture or pictures you like, or just comment on the picture in Flickr. And thanks so much!
Edited to add: The contest has lots of categories including ones for people with their pets, and funniest shot. But really, this edit is just an excuse to add a couple more shots.
Comments (20)
what fun! you know how much i love seeing photos of your doggies :)
Posted by mai | May 8, 2008 10:06 AM
Posted on May 8, 2008 10:06
Even if you don't have a fancy schmancy camera, your shots are composed quite beautifully.
Posted by loriz | May 8, 2008 10:12 AM
Posted on May 8, 2008 10:12
I can't be much help because I love them all, but I can say that Adorama made great prints from my digital photos, and biggies were inexpensive. If I had to pick just one, I'd say Panda in the Snow is the most arresting. Most pet portraiture contests don't want people in the picture, although I like the lines of the intent on frisbee shoreline pic.
Panda at the beach is also gorgeous. Sorry Thea.
Posted by Wendy | May 8, 2008 10:30 AM
Posted on May 8, 2008 10:30
Oh, they are all so great! I love Panda at the Beach, but also the one of her in the snow.
Posted by jessica~ | May 8, 2008 10:51 AM
Posted on May 8, 2008 10:51
Her Kingdom and PandaSnowPortrait are both gorgeous, but just a touch unusual...which makes them strong choices, IMHO. Also, the one of Panda and Thea together at the beach, with Thea shaking off, is enchantingly goofy. :)
Posted by Heather | May 8, 2008 11:19 AM
Posted on May 8, 2008 11:19
Well, I think all your pictures are great, so I wouldn't let DSLR-envy spoil your fun.
And, wouldn't a harness pretty much cover the collar-or-tag requirement? I don't think homeless dogs usually wear them (grin)
Posted by --Deb | May 8, 2008 11:23 AM
Posted on May 8, 2008 11:23
I'd pick at least one with the rock formations in the background - the scenery should add an extra special dimension to those already cute mugs! I think you have a shot! Pun intended!
Posted by Julia | May 8, 2008 12:02 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 12:02
I love the photo of the dog with green legs - because he was running in the unmown grass...
otherwise they are all adorable.
Posted by Paula Durrant | May 8, 2008 12:25 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 12:25
aww .. so cute :) I love your doggies
Posted by Selina | May 8, 2008 12:44 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 12:44
I'll try to look on Flickr and see if I can pick out a few favs, but it's so hard when the subject is sooo photogenic!
Posted by Amy in StL | May 8, 2008 2:22 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 14:22
I like the Washington day trip photo "Tug of War" with the great reflection.
Posted by yogahz | May 8, 2008 2:23 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 14:23
oh, how could you possibly choose from such extensive cuteness?! it is certainly beyond my capabilities! but thanks for sharing all the gorgeous shots with us!
Posted by kelly | May 8, 2008 3:25 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 15:25
I especially like the one of both dogs lying on the wet sand, one's ears up and the other's ears down. Otherwise, how can one choose? They are the sweetest dogs.
Posted by Kathy Sue | May 8, 2008 3:44 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 15:44
Gasp! What lovely photos!
We got to show Mum so she takes some of ours like this too!
Posted by Ginger aka Beethoven | May 9, 2008 2:46 AM
Posted on May 9, 2008 02:46
You have SO MANY great shots of the girls, how will you ever narrow down? Seriously! I particularly love the one of the girls with Leo on the beach. And the one of the two of them on the sand, looking up waiting for a command. I can't wait to see which ones you decide to enter. Like I said- so, so many great shots to choose from!
Posted by Nonnahs | May 9, 2008 8:37 AM
Posted on May 9, 2008 08:37
After looking at all your photos on flickr I still like the wet dog beach picture you have above of Panda and Thea and the one with snow on Panda's nose. But they are all adorable. I especially love the one of Panda and Thea in their baskets but they have no tags in those *darn*. :)
Posted by Ruinwen | May 9, 2008 11:11 AM
Posted on May 9, 2008 11:11
I love the one with the drawing in the sand - cute and well composed.
Posted by AmyP | May 9, 2008 11:15 AM
Posted on May 9, 2008 11:15
I agree that you have a lot of fantastic photos of the girls. I love both of the photos at the beach that include Leo - the one with both girls & the one with just the one (Panda? can't tell from the distance - that is my favorite of those posted here). The bottommost one on the left is also lovely. I also love the one you posted recently of the sleepy sandy Thea & what could be more humorous than the photo of Panda with the beer & her tongue hanging out? And, an expensive camera does not mean good photos - in fact, your are so good that I thought you had an expensive one.
Posted by Donna | May 9, 2008 11:24 AM
Posted on May 9, 2008 11:24
All your photos are wonderful, but my favorite is Panda at the beach! Good luck!
Posted by Christina | May 10, 2008 3:35 PM
Posted on May 10, 2008 15:35
The first 10 are my favourite, but I hope Panda at the beach can be included. That one is TOP.
My absolute favourite is the one of both the girls. (Photo 3).
Good luck!
Posted by Emilie | May 11, 2008 3:12 PM
Posted on May 11, 2008 15:12