The Girls

I shared this one last year for a Weekly Challenge, but thought it fit the new "Man & Fauna" gallery (although in this case, it's only the girls).  

I took this last winter during an afternoon hanging with my kids and our Newfoundlands as they enjoyed the results of a heavy spring snow here on our acreage. I ended up with some great candids of the dogs covered in snow crystals and of course my kids sledding and snowboarding and wiping out and just plain having fun. 

I like this one for a lot of reasons a Dad would, but mostly for this simple quality: I caught each of my girls (Marlise, Shadow and Charis) in a moment that totally captures their personality! Marlise is mid-expression on a "Awwww!" as Shadow came over for a snuggle, which is what Shadow does, and Charis is full of joy, which is what she is. 

Happy to hear how I might improve this further (yes, Charis was intentionally left outside of my DOF as a supporting character, but I welcome feedback on whether that works or not as well).

Nikon D600

Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR

ISO 800

1/320sec @ f/5

-0.3EV

Monopod mounted

Slight crop and rotation to correct horizon

Minor adjustments to brightness and contrast, white vignette applied in Nik Color Efex Pro 4