Want some "Deep Magic"? Then control the viewers' attention and the impact of your image by using depth of field.

Pretty simple huh? Like all things it always seems simple until you try. Especially with studio lights. Since most studio lights constrain one aspect of the exposure triangle, shutter speed, it can get a bit tricky! Unless you have high-speed sync (which is on my Xmas list)

One of this weeks' sessions, with a senior dog (Roscoe) and a new puppy (Jasper), produced a few examples.  While editing a session it is always a bit of a treasure hunt for me. I try to be present and "see" things during creation. Sometimes in my attempt to not be attached to the outcome and corresponding results I miss things. But somehow I did know because the story that was captured was Roscoes' bond with his owner. 

Roscoe was so focused on her that his owner ended up in most of the pictures. She really did not want too, but while helping him be comfortable... ooooh what a story unfolded. She must be a dog whisperer because her new pup (Jasper) was equally as attached.

Fortunately for me, a couple depth of field examples for this blog were unearthed, after enough sniffing( just kidding). Check out Roscoe.. lots of depth of field, a soulful gaze; complete with catch light, showing space to look in to and ..rule of thirds. 

Jasper (below) is an example of a little less depth of field bringing focus to those dramatic and intense eyes. Not to mention filling the frame. I can just feel how soft he is!

And my favorite outtake shows Roscoe just loving Mom's touch! These artful moments, I daresay, will end up being timeless connections and treasured creations that Roscoes' Mom will hold dear for years to come. Too bad his Giants tag was not turned around!

Continuing with this weeks discussion is Lynda Mowat from Heartstrings Photography in Hamilton new Zealand.