Angel the Ovcharka by Christopher Pethick

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It's cute and nicely done. I like the colors, the way the yellow-gold-orange background interacts with the dog's cream and brown tones. I like the way it's basically a symmetrical composition without the symmetry being too perfect. But it's ultimately a pretty empty image. If the photographer could apply his obvious skill to something more meaningful, he might have something.

One more thought: Is this dog really an ovcharka? He doesn't look much like one, to judge from other pictures I found in a quick Google search. But I'm not a dog breed expert, and it could be that the angle of the shot gives a misleading impression of the shape of the head and ears.

I am not sure if Christopher is shooting pets for people or commercially or for stock or ????? But I really like his portfolio. There is no confusion as to what he does, he makes odd, fun animal/pet portraits with lots of personality. Like many times here on the POW, I don't know that this is his best, it doesn't really hint at what more he does but fits perfectly well in his body of work. It is well done and lit (for what it is--I don't think the lighting is really creative, but it works for what it is). Unfortunately, it just doesn't really doesn't exhibit the character, personality and fun of his portfolio and website. That isn't a negative, except if you don't look at the rest of his work.

Nice shot.

First impressions, I've heard, are the ones that matter. When I first looked at this photo, I'm thinking to myself, based on some of last week's POW's critiques, here we go again looking up the nostril(s) of another subject! But this photo takes exception! So much for the humorous side of my critique.
On a more serious approach, I'm not too impressed with the orange to yellow background because it seems to be just too bright. Perhaps toning it down a notch or two would be better for me. I've never heard of this particular breed, but you have captured a very lovely looking animal with a melt-your-heart expression on its face! Really like the heavy eyelashes!
No doubt others will disagree with my opinion(s) but a matte or border would have also added to this capture.
With all that I've said, I still think this is a very good/great capture of man's best friend. Best regards.

Christopher has put more thought than many people would into this picture of a dog, and as a result we get a photograph that makes us smile with the straight-on view, eyes rolled up higher, and a bright yellow background gradient that perks up the whole frame. He takes this fun view to other animal photos as well, and this POW and his portfolio will be greatly enjoyed by those who attempt photos of pets (P.net has an entire category devoted to pets) and other animals or who simply appreciate the small but rewarding act of smiling at photos of animals in our lives.

I like this picture. For me the primary strength of the image is the forced perspective which puts that big nose and red tongue right in your face and leads you up to the eyes. I like that the focus carries solidly from nose to the eyebrows, too. I like the square composition especially with the upward gaze which really makes the shot. The background seems fine. There is a direct simplicity to the approach that I like. Nothing fancy, no big hook, no song and dance, just all dog mug. If I were the dogs owner, I'd be glad to display a print of that image.

I love it... Made me smile at first glance... Lighting is standard but fits perfectly. Same for the happy fruity background. Main point being that the expression and angle are fantastic. What else can one ask from a simple picture of a dog ? Perfect for ads as well... I sure hope you do sell your pictures for stock and such...? All the best.

Awwwwww--ceee-ute !! If you love animals you have to love the photograph in spite of its imperfections.
Is this a good photo? It is pretty good. It has no pretensions of being Art. It is not contrived. It is not photoshopped as far as I can see. It is an affectionate photograph, both in terms of the photographer the dog. It is a photograph that makes you feel good. It is a successful photograph in being very likable.

But is it a great photograph? No.

We have a dominant tongue in this image. It is well exposed and very sharp. The tongue's rendering is clinical. It looks good enough to eat. Unfortunately, the brilliance of the tongue comes at the expense of the rest of the dog, who becomes increasingly increasingly gloppy as you look upward. The eyes ought to be as interesting as the tongue, or more so. But they are breary.
It's a charming photograph and that is enough. A masterpiece it is not.