Curly hair casting shadows over eyes

[Photography Group]

Does anyone else have problems taking photos of their curly, darker colored doodles?  Because Noah is red and curly, his curly hair often casts shadows over his eyes.  I have a lot of problems taking photos of him outside due to this... his eyes just look like dark holes.  I don't have this problem with Sherlock who is white with maltese hair. 

I have a Nikon D40 - any suggestions to help with the shadows?

These photos were taken mid-day with the sun behind me.  

[GBK]

Hi Jane, mid day pictures are really hard to get good clear eye shots for me too! If I can take them earlier or later I do try:

This is an afternoon shot:

This is a morning shot:

This is Mid day and a little further away, very frustrating as I love the colors. I try to get a little closer and look for the light in there eyes for the shot, but when it is action or a nice composition from afar it does get frustrating. That's my two cents :)

Your pictures above are lovely, what a great field for pictures of the dogs!

[Linda and "Toby"]

Those scarves and matching red leashes are soooo cute! :D

[GBK]

Thanks, that was Wag a tail Walk a Thon in town a couple of weekends ago :)

[GBK]

Thanks Jane, from the couch out the back sliding door. It is amazing how you can really capture them from just about anywhere.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Lovely photos, lovely doodles.

[Linda and "Toby"]

Your camera is compensating for the bright sunlight by dimming everything. Some photographers use a flash to bring out details that get lost in the shadows. I usually find it's best to shoot in the morning or early evening. (Or in the shade.)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I think your pictures are wonderful. I find that I have to adjust the photo on my computer (not photoshop) with what it allows and I can often bring out the eyes or shadows. I am not so great at darkening the too light stuff.

[GBK]

Thanks Nancy :) I adjust the darkness and shadows too sometimes, but usually when the whole photo is a little dark. Sometimes it washes out the whole picture when I try to bring out the eyes, like some of my snow pics. I need to get another chance to practice in that bright of light.....
And Linda is right, (of course) I have read in some of the photography books and on line that the flash will fill in any shadows and bring out the darker eyes. I forgot that, thanks Linda!

[Mandy&Bailee]

Jane - the other gals are correct, it's the time of day you are shooting causing the issue. Overhead mid-day sunlight is the WORST for portraits - it casts sharp, hard, overhead shadow. To compensate, turn on the Active D-Lighting feature on your D40. All Nikons have it. I just leave that on, always. It helps the camera balance better. Also flash is the other option - you can turn down how bright the flash pops off in the menu, I think. Lower it to like -.03 and it won't be too bright of flash. Lastly, you can always fix it in photoshop - use the dodge/burn tool and set it to dodge (lighten). Use a small brush, zoom in on the eyes, and selectively brush the eyes to brighten them up. Hope that helps! Cute doodle!

[Ann Kendig]

I love the dodge and burn tool! I use it quite often.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I like these photos, Jane

[Kyoko]

I really like this result. It features his beautil face and coat.