[Henery&Ollie's mom]

It's soo hard to get a good pic of Ollie that doesn't make him look chocolate. eesh. (not that there's anything wrong with chocolate!)

What am I doing wrong? I'm shooting with a Nikon D40, still using the auto settings, and a bounce flash. The chocolate pics are when the bounce flash goes off.

This one turned out okay...

This one would have been a great pic if not for the colour...

The flash didn't go off for this one, and it's too dark...

Ideas?

My next task is to get yellow and black looking decent together!! lol!

 

[ceasersmom]

If you figure out how to do that, clue me in. I have to lighten Gus's pics so much it makes Ceaser look white.

 

[Trickster]

Before I lost my old camera, the only decent shots I'd get of my black boys would be on a bright but overcast day. In strong sunlight or dark conditions, they look like blur.

 

[2blacklabs]

I totally understand, I also have to lighten my pictures sooo much. With both of the girls together most times I can not see where they are and they look like one blob of black fur. I would also like to hear any tips.

 

[HersheyK's Dad]

I have fought this since getting HK, a dark Chocolate. I am not familiar with your camera but suspect you will have similar options.

(1) Set your exposure area to center only rather than averaging the whole scene, and make sure dog is in the center when you do it.
(2) Increase your exposure sensitivity (ev on my camera) several steps.
(3) Move in close to the dog, take an exposure reading, and then set to that exposure manually from the position you want to take the picture from.

One more thing, train the dog to cooperate with you as you go through the process. <g>

For me, trying to get pics of Hershey on a bright day, outside, bright snow background, in motion, is near impossible. I get a dark chocolate blob against a bright white background.

 

[Anne]

Start using your manual settings. Once you get past the 'learning curve' you won't regret it.

I just found this online tutorial for the d40. I am sure there are more out there.

http://www.adidap.com/2006/12/09/nikon-d40-online-manual/

 

[Henery&Ollie's mom]

Thanks guys! Thanks Anne for the link... now I've got something to do this afternoon.

 

[labby]

It's hard.

 

[Henery&Ollie's mom]

That's pretty good Laura! (what did you use?)

 

[bearsdad]

Most of it is the color sensor in the D40. I have a D40 as well and I have the same thing happen when I shoot indoors. There are several places that discuss the problems with the sensor and the yellow hue it adds to the picture.

 

[labby]

I used my Photo Impact.

 

[Dukesdad]

I agree a black Lab is difficult to photograph but if you get a good natural light condition it is possible. This is one of the better photos of a Black Lab that I recieved for a portrait. This photo Looks like it was taken in natural flat light like ED suggested. Not bright sun. Look at how beautiful the eyes came out. I usually have to enhance the eyes in most photos to get them to look this vibrant.

 

[Luvmydog2much]

I've always heard (but never had use to pay attention) that you should photograph black dogs on an overcast day. I've found it most difficult to do so.

I wait for a day like today, very sunny and use the light outside to help.

I find its easiest to take pictures outside. For indoor pictures, I go manual. Outdoors I adjust the exposure and take Kate's advice and shoot in Sports mode.

If you check the pictures I posted, notice how washed out Ruby looks, because I had the camera set for Gin. Inside, its definitely best to go manual.

 

[kootenaydogs]

Have you tried adjusting the white balance in your camera?

Cute boys you have there--regardless of the colour

 

[Trickster]

Love that picture above. If only I had a camera that took those kind of pictures!

 

[georgie]

I know what you mean. When you figure out how to photograph black laba....please let me know.

 

[justine]

Yeah.. it's definitely hard. Even with Toby who's chocolate and Abbey who's dark yellow. Sylvester (my cat) is black/white, so I have a whole lot of color to work with!

 

[3TailsWaggin]

DukesDad, where did you get that photo? I'm curious as it's a photo I took of my pup, Remington, at our pool, (see the chainlink behind him?) Would like to know who sent it to you. They lifted it from one of my photo sites.

Here's a couple more of Remington.

 

[3TailsWaggin]

Here's a couple more of Remington. I wish whoever stole the image of my dog would realize photos online are copyright by the owner and you shouldn't steal them as your own.

 

[justine]

Can't believe someone stole your pic! That stinks!