Which crop do you prefer?
Jan 24, 2017 06:08:29 #
Szalajj
Loc: Salem, NH
My preference is for the tighter crops, simply because they focus your eye on the subject(s), which I believe was your intent.
But, I do agree that you might want to consider either shooting in portrait orientation, or cropping to a portrait orientation, especially with the single bird shot.
In both originals, the sheer volume of a bland sky in the shots distracts your eye away from your primary subject. If there had been a bright blue sky with a few clouds, it might be a different story.
It's all about the composition of the shot.
Determine what your primary subject is in a shot, then enhance that subject with selective cropping. This should start in the camera by zooming in as much as possible during your initial composition in your viewfinder.
Think back to the old movie shots where a director would use his hands to crop a shot to determine the angle for his next shot.
As photographers, we need to utilize the technique before more of our shots. Developing an eye for composition is an art unto itself.
Yes we all understand that with birds you're shooting quickly moving targets, but by positioning yourself in one spot and observing what branches or perches birds constantly return to, you've just completed your first step for cropping your shots. Because they do have favorite perches within their feeding zones!
But, I do agree that you might want to consider either shooting in portrait orientation, or cropping to a portrait orientation, especially with the single bird shot.
In both originals, the sheer volume of a bland sky in the shots distracts your eye away from your primary subject. If there had been a bright blue sky with a few clouds, it might be a different story.
It's all about the composition of the shot.
Determine what your primary subject is in a shot, then enhance that subject with selective cropping. This should start in the camera by zooming in as much as possible during your initial composition in your viewfinder.
Think back to the old movie shots where a director would use his hands to crop a shot to determine the angle for his next shot.
As photographers, we need to utilize the technique before more of our shots. Developing an eye for composition is an art unto itself.
Yes we all understand that with birds you're shooting quickly moving targets, but by positioning yourself in one spot and observing what branches or perches birds constantly return to, you've just completed your first step for cropping your shots. Because they do have favorite perches within their feeding zones!
Jan 24, 2017 06:25:19 #
I prefer the tighter crop because there is more focus on the birds.
Cordell Okie wrote:
My wife and I have numerous discussions as to how a picture should be cropped. One likes to fill the frame the other does not. Attached are 2 sets of pictures with different crops. Which do you prefer and why?
Jan 24, 2017 06:39:47 #
I like them all, cropped or not. There may be an advantage to crop them into portrait view although I wouldn't bother.
By the way just ignore Rognongo he can't help it.
By the way just ignore Rognongo he can't help it.
Jan 24, 2017 06:40:51 #
I preferred 2 and 3, but agree that a vertical shot should be considered.
Jan 24, 2017 06:52:59 #
Jan 24, 2017 07:45:02 #
Jan 24, 2017 08:01:06 #
I agree with your wife.... close brings the birds more alive (at least to me). Also, defying conventional wisdom, I prefer the horizontal crop... the background gives more context to the subject. Very nice work with beautiful subjects.
Jan 24, 2017 08:12:31 #
Jan 24, 2017 08:54:42 #
For the first set, I don't like either due to the position of the bird smack in the middle of the frame. Move the bird to the right, leaving more room on the left. Re the waxwings, the tighter crop.
I heard a comment once from a female professional photographer. She said most guys prefer a tighter crop vs gals like to back off in the frame somewhat. Are you and your wife an example of that?
I heard a comment once from a female professional photographer. She said most guys prefer a tighter crop vs gals like to back off in the frame somewhat. Are you and your wife an example of that?
Jan 24, 2017 08:57:11 #
Jan 24, 2017 09:00:28 #
WayneT wrote:
I like the all but prefer the tighter crop.
Me too! Great shots!
Jan 24, 2017 09:00:50 #
My wife and I have this discussion often, I like the tighter crop she dosen't.
Jan 24, 2017 09:15:02 #
Since you are looking for opinions I will give you my take on this.
The first two shoots have the bird in the dead center of the frame. That tends to be an unatractive visual design. With that bird more to the right side of the frame the composition becomes more interesting to the eye.
The last two are very good shots and I do not see much difference between them.
I like to shoot birds tight but I also know when I have to show the environment where they live. I believe both are acceptable compositions just do not keep on repeating the same one.
The first two shoots have the bird in the dead center of the frame. That tends to be an unatractive visual design. With that bird more to the right side of the frame the composition becomes more interesting to the eye.
The last two are very good shots and I do not see much difference between them.
I like to shoot birds tight but I also know when I have to show the environment where they live. I believe both are acceptable compositions just do not keep on repeating the same one.
Jan 24, 2017 09:19:19 #
Murdock402
Loc: West Grove Pennsylvania
Cordell Okie wrote:
My wife and I have numerous discussions as to how a picture should be cropped. One likes to fill the frame the other does not. Attached are 2 sets of pictures with different crops. Which do you prefer and why?
Awesome photos
I like the top photos in each set.
More subject less negative space.🙂
Jan 24, 2017 09:46:01 #
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