Happy Puppy visits Amsterdam........

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		from blaizerb/Blaize (6,555) on March 7, 2006 11:57:48 AM CST (6) Fun photograph. All I can add here given the comments already posted is that the background looks so interesting and colorful I would like to see more of it. F16 maybe? Anyhow that aside it is an unusual shot and nicely framed and the traveller is sharp and in focus. It looks like he/she has a straw coming out the head which is really the only thing I would suggest changing - you can keep the F8 since you are lucky enough to see this scenery with your own eyes. And yes it adds good empashis to the happy hound. Cheers. and thanks for the recent critique - most helpful. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 7, 2006 12:07:43 PM CST Appreciated this thorough critique Blaize..many thanks. Referring to the straw..well spotted. I had noticed it before posting, and trying to clone it out made more of a mess.......that area is a trifle busy ! but thanks for the suggestion. I took a shot of the buildings in the BG from a few yards away from this one..so if you want a look...just click this link which will open up the shot in a new window......meanwhile, thanks indeed for the return crit. Kind regards...Steve. Reply
		from shenhav/Dvori (24,322) on March 7, 2006 4:59:49 AM CST (7) Nock..nock... can I join a bit late?? This is a great capture ,which made my morning very happy..Steve...you were lucky, and I like it..I would not repeat what was already written, I just wish to tell you that this little happy puppy is sooo cute! Thanks..you deserve 3 TU my friend..Dvori Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 7, 2006 6:41:08 AM CST Hi Dvori.....good morning and thanks for dropping in........you are NEVER to late to join in : ))............. .just pleased that we meet up again. Your visit reminds me that I owe you an email : ( I'm so pleased that Happy Puppy brought a smile to you this morning......he thanks you for the 3 T'sU and so do I !!! I'm out of action at home with my computer.................... and can only afford a few moments at work........I'm afraid the computer at home has to be totally rebuilt : ((((((((((((( Thanks for your kind words and time Dvori..............my kindest regards......Steve. Reply
		from carolee/Carole (30,795) on March 6, 2006 4:54:16 PM CST (8) LOL, I went to see what you have been up to lately and discovered that you have started your own adventure series, how fun! It is a great idea and you did a fine job of presenting your fuzzy friend. Carole Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 7, 2006 5:03:36 AM CST Thanks Carole for dropping in.......glad you like the idea of a bit of pure fun, with the theme of travel behind it. Happy Puppy is gradually packing his suitcase for our trip to Istanbul next month.....hope to meet up with a few guys there.........Bora, Guven, Tunc............should be great fun all round !! Kind regards.....Steve. Reply
		from albauer/Alfons (10,511) on March 6, 2006 12:15:49 PM CST (8) your leading actor is marvelous in the focus and is thereby the center for the viewer. A genuine Amsterdam motive, the bicycle in the foreground and the pretty houses in the background. Marvelous picture a composition. regards albauer Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 7, 2006 5:07:46 AM CST Hi Albauer........3 greens is too much my friend : ) much appreciated. Many thanks for calling.......so pleased that you enjoyed this bit of travel 'fun'. Best wishes ..........Steve. (I'm out of action at home at the moment : ((((( because I've picked up a trojan despite some pretty good anti-virus stuff. I need to get some IT wizard to help rescue me from misery..........sorry for the delay in replying.) Reply
		from zhao88/Steven (29,766) on March 6, 2006 12:02:07 PM CST (8) Steven , have not see you for long time , I think you are busy for travering the world around ,I am glad to see your image from differance palace and it is interesting image with excellent clarity with color sharpness ,DOF is great ,I am appreciated that you shring it .. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 7, 2006 5:00:06 AM CST Hi Steven.......sorry for the delay, I'm out of action at home with computer probs. Thanks for looking in here and for your critique......much appreciated. Glad that you seemed to enjoy the fun. Kind regards...Steve. Reply
		from mtpsuper/Maria Teresa (40,039) on March 2, 2006 9:21:13 AM CST (16) Really an amusing thing, dear Steve; and you've been also lucky having this so special protagonist in this so coloured scene. Fine, too, the blurred foreground, in the guessed way. Nice image, surely. Ciao! Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 9:51:38 AM CST Thank you dear Maria Teresa for your kind words......I'm pleased that Happy Puppy amused you.....it makes a nice change from us being serious most of the time........and here was a small scene of what one may expect to find when visiting Amsterdam. Ciao ! and my best regards........Steve. Reply
		from rosemarie/Rosemarie (29,785) on March 2, 2006 9:03:32 AM CST (16) Hi Steve, this is a very funny shot and I like it a lot that you submitted such an humorous shot, there are too few funny shots on this side indeed, good sharpness, nice colors and well composed, I hope this HP would bring you much luck at your yourney, it makes me smile to view on your image, some times it is a plesure to view on a warmhearthy shot, mor than a perfect one, best wishes, Rosemarie Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 9:08:58 AM CST Hello dear Rosemarie..........it's super to receive your critique and it's good to bring a bit of lighthearted stuff to Photosig, with the hint of Amsterdam too. He loved the place even though it was bitterly cold. I'll have to buy him a hat because Istanbul is his next adventure..and I've a feeling it will be hotter than here..... -1C !!! Take care my friend, and many thanks for your time. My best wishes......Steve. Reply
		from coolensman/Graham (1,985) on March 2, 2006 8:55:20 AM CST (15) What a great idea & well done! Love the theme & am thinking of doing something along those lines myself when I go to Texas next week. Keep travelling with the mutt & posting the photos! Regards G. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 8:59:29 AM CST Hi Graham.....how dare you nick my idea LOL.........Happy Puppy is already packing for a trip to Istanbul next month.....watch this space in 6 weeks time !!! Thanks for dropping in and your kind words.......good luck with your venture to Texas next week. Regards.........Steve. Reply
		from bobchatham1005/Bob (17,481) on March 2, 2006 7:59:29 AM CST (16) Hi Steve! This shot gave me a big smile this morning, so in my book it's worth 3TU's. Very sharp and nicely done composition. I would have prefered a little more definition in your backround, but foreground makes up for this. Good one! Regards Bob Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 8:48:38 AM CST Hi Bob........so pleased that you called in and that HP brought a smile to your face.....it's what we need this cold mornings. Happy Puppy is already packing his bag for a trip to Istanbul next month !!! LOL. Thanks for your suggestion about the BG..wasn't sure to leave it slightly blurred because the emphasis was on Happy Puppy....but probably you are right. Best wishes and thanks for your time and 3 greens.......much appreciated. Kind regards.....Steve. Reply
		from dariovera/Dario (1,270) on March 2, 2006 7:55:14 AM CST (16) Very original and striking photograph. You have had a formidable eye blow to see the puppet on the bike with the back canal.The choice of the click view has been really OK. The photography is very nice and done very well Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 8:39:27 AM CST Many thanks Dario for this constructive critique......much appreciated. Thank you for your time. Kind regards........Steve. Reply
		from deleted212664/deleted (13,805) on March 2, 2006 6:40:50 AM CST (19) Steve - lovely to see HP still travelling. Last time I "heard" from him he was in North Devon. How he manages to stay so clean and smiley jammed up against the wet wheel is just amazing...LOL The background buildings and boats on the water are enough to convince me he really IS in Amsterdam. Thanks for the fun, Steve - some more light heartedness is such a welcome thing to see on PhotoSIG. I look forward to the next holiday "postcard" from Istanbul. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 6:53:36 AM CST Hi Donne.......super critique and some fine words.....thanks for that. The shot was taken in Amsterdam, I assure you !!! Glad you enjoyed the fun.........releases you from the seriousness of life ! You may be interested to know that he has found friends in France as well LOL Best wishes.....Steve. Reply  From deleted212664/deleted (13,805) on March 2, 2006 5:57:34 PM CST Steve....I was NOT doubting where HP is...:)) When is he coming to Australia....could sit him in a gumtree with a koala, in a kangaroo's pouch, swimming with dolphins....on second thoughts..no...he is not a dog that would like water much...LOL Reply  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 3, 2006 4:56:34 AM CST HP's eyes popped out of his head on the mentioning of going to Australia....now your suggestions are too much to turn aside. We'll plan a trip and contact you nearer the time..........which state are you in ? If it's Victoria....we could look up Maree at the same time : )) Reply
		from rebel61/Bora (6,722) on March 2, 2006 4:18:57 AM CST (20) Aha... My friend you made me smile again. What a lovely composition you've presented here. Good colours and good focus control. I'm the number one fan for Happy Puppy. He has been invited to Istanbul and waiting on 10th April... If you're mad, I'm mad too. Keep sharing my friend... Best regards, Bora. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 5:30:12 AM CST Hello Bora my friend.........I'm delighted that Happy Puppy made you smile. It's merely a bit of light fun to share as you know, but it is also pleasing that thanks to all the critiquers, Happy Puppy actually made the Main Page, so he is bringing a little bit of harmless fun into the Community, which makes me feel good too !! Glad you liked this one my friend.......HP will be in my shirt top pocket when we arrive in Instanbul next month....can't wait to get there !! My best regards..........Steve. P.S. My Finance meeting yesterday morning took 3 1/2 hrs......... : (( Reply  From rebel61/Bora (6,722) on March 2, 2006 8:39:06 AM CST Steve, my thought Happy Puppy is deserving the main page. Need little bit fun. May be some siggers will not like that but what I can do :)) P.S. Never mind the meeting. It's OK for me... Reply
		from magpiemafia/Matthew (808) on March 2, 2006 3:19:08 AM CST (13) This is a very nice photo Steve with alot of colour, but however the focus on the buildings is poor and needs some improvement. Also there should be more than just a bear and bike should be taken a bit futher away. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 5:24:02 AM CST Hi Matthew.........thanks for your observations and suggestions. I guess I really wanted to share Happy Puppy with the Community and at the same time giving them a brief glimpse of Amsterdam as the backdrop..........standing further away and chosing say f/16 would have destroyed the effect I was trying to achieve. However, I also respect your suggestion and thank you for it. Kind regards.........Steve. Reply
		from serdz/Sergey (768) on March 2, 2006 2:23:55 AM CST :) Reply  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 4:44:28 AM CST : D Reply
		from davidg/David (8,896) on March 1, 2006 11:41:45 PM CST (14) Happy Puppy might have something to say about that mast from the ship behind him coming out of his head as well, but nice vivid seen and DOF to my liking, and overall composition and wheel from corner to corner works well. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 4:30:34 AM CST Hi David......I've been waiting for someone to mention the pole coming out of Happy Puppy's head !!!!! I had noticed it before posting and was in too minds to try to clone it out, but it's busy around that area and I would have really messed it up. Good spot and thanks too for your other observations....much appreciated. Kind regards.......Steve. Reply
		from gian87/Marta (57,486) on March 1, 2006 11:08:45 PM CST (18) Ooohhhh....Steve this is a true wonder!! This image is exactly of my pleasure.I love all the composition. I love Amsterdam . I love this puppy. I love this blurred entendible and lovely constructions of this magical city.And the perfection of the bicycle that transports the happy toy from the seat to the rays of the wheel.Fantastic colorful and clearness. I love this picture!Woow...All my best,Marta:_)) Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 5:18:01 AM CST My dear Marta..........your words are like a dream, full of warmth and from the heart....melt, melt. I'm so pleased that Happy Puppy was enjoyed by you, and the brief glimpse of Amsterdam gave you a taste. Happy Puppy is becoming quite a character and has already told me he's coming to Istanbul next month !! Thanks for your wonderful words dear Marta.........it was a real pleasure to read your critique. Best wishes my friend.....Steve. Reply  From gian87/Marta (57,486) on March 2, 2006 10:44:26 AM CST :_)) Reply
		from mbkamrani/Mohamad (20,975) on March 1, 2006 9:58:45 PM CST (20) Hi Steve,13 is not a good number in my culture and till now your point is 13,so i am going to change it to 16 if possible! :-)I like this shot and its composition,your title and comments under the shot are very good too,sharpness and colors of your shot are very nice,but i think a much more blurred background and perhaps a closer view works much better,greetings and best wishes,Mohamad.PS:I watched your shot again,regarding to the title and visiting Amsterdam,the background is well and if more blurred it would not be well seen. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 5:06:45 AM CST Hi Mohamad...thanks for getting rid of No. 13....much appreciated. Also appreciated your thorough critique and kind words. I'm glad you changed your mind about the blurred BG, because although I wanted to create a bit of light entertainment, I also wanted to show viewers a glimpse of Amsterdam, so didn't want an more shallow background. Many thanks again...........best regards...Steve. Reply
		from whooshdemon/Sue (2,458) on March 1, 2006 6:03:11 PM CST (19) So good to see such happy creatures on photosig - so many models seem to pout and look aloof. I am also happy that such toys get to travel the world as they should share their joy with as many people as possible. Thanks so much for brigthening my day. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 5:02:05 AM CST You know Sue.......it is so gratifying to hear what you have said. It was meant to bring a little humour into our lives........nothing more........... and I'm so pleased that you have recognised my motives. Happy Puppy is now getting the habit of jumping into the suitcase while I'm packing for a little jaunt ..........he's told me he can't wait for our forthcoming trip to Istanbul next month during the Easter holidays !!! Thanks so much for visiting.....glad HP brightened your day : ) Best wishes........Steve. Reply
		from vanesa/Vanesa (1,601) on March 1, 2006 5:13:51 PM CST (19) Please Hupy Puppy has to walk all around the world. He is happy with travels, we can see in his face, and we are happy whith the fantastic photos that his owner makes. Thanks very much both of you. Best regards. Vane Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 4:57:21 AM CST Thank you dear Vane for these kind words......you come across as if you enjoyed the shot.........I'm pleased about that. It is only a bit of fun, but if it brings a bit of humour into our lives...that is good. Best wishes........Steve Reply
		from liuxliux/Liuxliux (29,910) on March 1, 2006 2:05:31 PM CST (23) Hi Steve! I do find this photo funny! Could be good idea to start photo serie, I think. Composition not bad, but main hero I would placed more near left bottom corner. Best regards, Liux Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 4:54:30 AM CST Hi Liux my friend........I'm glad HP brought a smile to your face !! You're probably right about the compo, thanks for the suggestion. As for a series....I guess one has started already, although unintentionally....... .here....and here. Thanks for dropping in. Best wishes........Steve. Reply
		from ithicks/Justin (864) on March 1, 2006 1:14:53 PM CST (19) This photo is well done, but mostly it is FUN! It captured the moment and you have shared that moment with me as the viewer! 3TU for letting me share in your vacation, if even for 15 seconds. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 4:43:51 AM CST Thanks for visiting Justin.......glad you enjoyed the bit of fun here. As for Amsterdam....it's well worth a visit. Many thanks for the 3 greens............appreciated. Kind regards......Steve. Reply
		from petri/Petri (14,706) on March 1, 2006 12:18:56 PM CST (21) Hi Steve! The sharpness and detail on the bike, the puppy and the railing are just unbelievable. Also the colours of the background are so very good - I also love the look of the unfocused buildings. Nothing much to do any better IMO ... you might consider cropping away some from the right to get rid of the pier(?) with white railings and stuff, also some darker parts of the background. Cheers! Petri Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 4:48:01 AM CST Hi Petri.......many thanks for your kind words. I'm pleased you liked the picture overall. Funny that you mention the pier (lock gate actually) because I had originally cropped to a square format to get rid of the RHS, but that put Happy Puppy dead centre which took much of the atmosphere away.............good suggestion though. Kind regards and thanks for your time.............Steve. Reply
		from fotoguy20d/Dan (8,254) on March 1, 2006 12:13:03 PM CST (18) Makes me think of Flat Stanley. I can't imagine Happy Puppy was enjoying the cold or the wet. Anyway, good use of the bike to frame the canal. It's unfortunate the barge behind him has blown highlights - they're distracting. Good sharpness on the foreground and good color and contrast throughout. The sky looks like it could benefit from the use of a polarizer. A fun image. Reply  Show ratings  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 4:37:07 AM CST Thanks for your observations Dan.......the barge behind was covered in snow and unfortunately the light has blown it as you observed. Thanks for your time...........regards.Steve. Reply

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From albauer/Alfons (10,511) on March 1, 2006 12:20:15 PM CST your leading actor is marvelous in the focus and is thereby the center for the viewer. A genuine Amsterdam motive, the bicycle in the foreground and the pretty houses in the background. Marvelous picture a composition. albauer----sorry empty Thumbs Reply  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 4:39:46 AM CST Never mind the empty thumbs my friend.....it's just great to receive your comments anyway and your kind words. Hope Happy Puppy brought a smile !! Best wishes Albauer........Steve. Reply

From serdz/Sergey (768) on March 2, 2006 2:23:19 AM CST Thanks for sharing. Very nice and interesting work. Reply  From thegaff/Steve (26,651) on March 2, 2006 4:41:30 AM CST Thanks Sergey for dropping in........HP is just a bit of fun ............must say he's becoming a character.......and it does one good to get away from the serious stuff once in a while ! Regards...Steve. Reply

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