Faithful Labrador

[Sandy Feet]

I went over to the beach this morning, when this subject presented itself.
A black lab walked over to the oceans edge and plopped down as his owner/surfer paddled out into the surf. He sat and watched him surf for quite awhile. I knew I had to get the shot with both of them in it! I feel like it is a good subject and the black lab lent himself to the silhouette contest, even without there being any backlighting. Now, I'm just trying to decide, which shot works best, which crop works best, (this is an 8x10, thinking maybe a 5x7 ratio.) and should I or should I not go B&W, sepia, or leave it the natural color.
I'd love to hear your thoughts/opinions on it.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/112142637-M-1.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/112141886-M-1.jpg

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/112144303-M-1.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/112143770-M-1.jpg

[Sandy]

I really like this shot. On the first photo I would suggest cropping it closer to eliminate the white at the top. Add a drop of cyan with selective color to the ocean. Use curves to drop down the light a little. I think this will improve the shot.

[SloYerRoll]

Nice capture.
I'd take the shot of the ocean and the surfer in shot 1, and use the effect you used on the beach in shot 3 (3 looks a little bit more saturated).
You should be staoked about this shot. Very cool!:thumb

[Sandy Feet]

Thank you for critiques. I've been playing around with my image and think I may have settled on this crop and saturation. If you think I can improve it more, please let me know.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/112181506-M.jpg

[Owen]

Aww. Thanks for the pictures!

I'm still reeling from the loss of my dog, who was a yellow lab. I am sitting in the airport enroute to home and it is going to be weird to not have her greet me at the door. I miss her so much!

[shoppix]

:ivar Your last sepia cropped version is great. I also think the color version would make a nice print as well. Just different feelings from each.
Would be nice to get the surfer up on the board.
Keep shootin'
shoppix

[petesopete]

I'd go with #2 or #4. Nice shot.