Exercise - Cropping

The object of this exercise is to look at various pictures and consider whether cropping gives an alternate, and possibly improved, image. This should not be considered as an easy way out of a poor photograph but as a possible was of emphasising the main area. This can be looked at after the image is taken or considered at time as shooting, as there may be images that benefit from a particular format that is not available at the time of taking the image such as a long crop or a square crop.

Example 1.

This is the original image, pleasing but not very exciting.

A drastic crop to a very narrow very concentrates the eye on the vivid colours and gives and almost abstract feel.

Example 2.

The original photo here is dull, there is too much foreground and it is difficult to see the main point of the image which is a earth and water sculpture.

The sculpture contrasts well with the trees and Victorian buildings in the background, and its shape is exaggerated by the crop.

Example 3.

A sea view, showing the wave pattern and the contrasting clouds.

A less drastic crop than the previous example, this one focuses the eye on the patterns in the waves.

Example 4.

Pomegranates - a pleasant image redolent of summer.

A square crop closes in on the fruit and makes it appear larger in the frame.

While cropping should not be used as 'a fix' for poor original composition and lack of thought it is clear that a range of effects can be achieved that are not possible without it. Care needs to be taken to avoid a very small crop which when enlarged would be poor quality.