Hi Kate,
Let me start by saying how lucky you are. I did not get my hands on a real camera until I was about 16, and even then it was what we call in the trade a simple PHD camera (short for “push here dummy”).
One of the most important things to remember as you evolve as a photographer is to learn to see what others don’t. For me, I like to see the telling moments in time, but for other photographers it is often the different perspective on the world that makes their photos interesting.
I like the fact that you got down low to make this image. There are a couple of things that I would change for the next time though. The first is perhaps the moment. As beautiful as your golden retriever Dipper is, I cannot help but get the feeling he is asleep! That's fine, but photos of animals and people tend to work better when there is eye contact and even a sense of movement.
Next time, see if you can get Dipper looking at you with his head between his paws, or try putting liver treats in front of the camera and get him to grab the snack. Even capturing a dog drinking water can be fun.
Now there is one other small adjustment I would make to this photo too… lose that blade of grass going up Dipper’s nose. It is very distracting.
Otherwise, great effort. Keeping working on your photography and if you get the chance, get your parents to take you to the library so you can borrow books about some of the world’s best photographers… it is one of the fastest ways to learning about photography and seeing!
Give Dipper a pat for us too!
Cheers,
Anthony