Help me decide on a crop!
Discussion
I'm getting used to playing with Lightroom and have been working on a picture of poppies. I know it's a matter of taste and there are the 'rules' of composition, some of which I think are often over-tightly applied, but am now driving myself mad trying to decide on the best crop before I waste in and paper.
There is the original - too wide and cluttered then 2 (of many!) crops. Which do you think work best?
There is the original - too wide and cluttered then 2 (of many!) crops. Which do you think work best?
Rule of 1/3s - the focal point of interest about 1/3 - 2/3 from the edges (both top bottom and side to side) is a good starting point the rest of the picture can be as big as you like but you need to balance the sides to keep the rule
Your 3rd picture is nearest to that (another 3rd!)
Of course rules are also there to be broken
Your 3rd picture is nearest to that (another 3rd!)
Of course rules are also there to be broken
I read even well regarded pros (sellers!) like Alan Briot regulalrly suggest that, but to my mind it depends on the picture and can be 'broken' to good effect. I think my problem with the version closest to the flower/stem running along a third is it is on the right. If I could have found space to get it on the left I think it would have been better.
LastLight said:
I read even well regarded pros (sellers!) like Alan Briot regulalrly suggest that, but to my mind it depends on the picture and can be 'broken' to good effect. I think my problem with the version closest to the flower/stem running along a third is it is on the right. If I could have found space to get it on the left I think it would have been better.
I think if you just placed the heart of the poppy head 1/3 down and from right edge it would work. Try rectangle and square crops around it. The stem can run anywhere Edited by Jonsv8 on Wednesday 17th June 20:56
Jonsv8 said:
LastLight said:
I read even well regarded pros (sellers!) like Alan Briot regulalrly suggest that, but to my mind it depends on the picture and can be 'broken' to good effect. I think my problem with the version closest to the flower/stem running along a third is it is on the right. If I could have found space to get it on the left I think it would have been better.
I think if you just placed the heart of the poppy head 1/3 down and from right edge it would work. Try rectangle and square crops around it. The stem can run anywhere Edited by Jonsv8 on Wednesday 17th June 20:56
Here is another (different shot) of the same flower with the third being on the left like I said I'd prefer. I just think there is too much space and 'nothingness on the right now!?
Jonsv8 said:
LastLight said:
I read even well regarded pros (sellers!) like Alan Briot regulalrly suggest that, but to my mind it depends on the picture and can be 'broken' to good effect. I think my problem with the version closest to the flower/stem running along a third is it is on the right. If I could have found space to get it on the left I think it would have been better.
I think if you just placed the heart of the poppy head 1/3 down and from right edge it would work. Try rectangle and square crops around it. The stem can run anywhere Edited by Jonsv8 on Wednesday 17th June 20:56
Jonsv8 said:
I know what you mean. You could cut in a bit more all round although it's person taste
Yes, that's probably better. I regret getting rid of the stem, but it might be better to sacrifice it overall.One reason for the hesitance in cropping is a greedy liking for the bokeh at the edges. I love this lens!
Simpo Two said:
I'm going to be contrary and say it looks like a dead insect and isn't worth further work - no crop is going to make it look better.
I am now going to run for cover
Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I totally disagree and like it enough to want to get it right - or at least the best way - before wasting ink.I am now going to run for cover
Except, s
t... I looked back at it to see why I like it and why you don't. And now I don't. Scrapped! Well that didn't last long.LastLight said:
Simpo Two said:
I'm going to be contrary and say it looks like a dead insect and isn't worth further work - no crop is going to make it look better.
I am now going to run for cover
Well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I totally disagree and like it enough to want to get it right - or at least the best way - before wasting ink.I am now going to run for cover
Except, s
t... I looked back at it to see why I like it and why you don't. And now I don't. Scrapped! Well that didn't last long.It was the colour and tone, which I love - doesn't come out quite so well on PH/Thumbsnap - and the shape of the stem, and the out of focus highlights. I worked a lot at really close-in zoom levels to claw back subtlety from what seemed to be blown out highlights in the brighter parts. But in focusing on those I didn't look closely enough at the shape of the head and the skew to that caused by the grasses around it. Big mistake. In too deep (close) too fast without stepping back enough. And to think I used to make a good part of my living selling photographs of gardens and flowers :-(
LastLight said:
Except, st... I looked back at it to see why I like it and why you don't. And now I don't. Scrapped! Well that didn't last long.
t... I looked back at it to see why I like it and why you don't. And now I don't. Scrapped! Well that didn't last long.
LastLight said:
It was the colour and tone, which I love - doesn't come out quite so well on PH/Thumbsnap - and the shape of the stem, and the out of focus highlights.
They're all good things to have (though to me a poppy is about colour so if you take the colour away you've got a much harder job making something with what's left). So you're on the right lines but just need a better image to start with. HTH and good luck in the garden today!
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