Resisting the urge to crop (Hawk): I came across this hawk at first light perched in a dead tree with it's back facing the dark woods. I have it in both cropped and uncropped versions.

Thomas H. Loc: Buffalo NY

I came across this hawk at first light perched in a dead tree with it's back facing the dark woods. I have it in both cropped and uncropped versions. I really prefer the uncropped photo and would like to get some other's opinions. Thank you for looking and for your feedback !

(Download)

graphic1 Loc: Carbondale illinois area

I like the tangle of limbs in the first shot. It gives a graphic appeal to the capture. I would play around with cropping up to half of the fight hand branch and a bit of the top to remove some of the black space from the frame( though the balance isn't bad). I just prefer having the main subject off center in the frame. I can't argue with the impact of the cropped portrait of your hawk it has nice impact. Have fun playing with a great image.

usn ret Loc: SoCal High Desert

Two different photos, the eyes are different in download/enlargement, slightly moved on branch and the head is slightly repositioned. The expression is more intense. The first photo is the one I would choose to crop. Both are great Captures. TFS Cliff

Thomas H. Loc: Buffalo NY

usn ret wrote:

Two different photos, the eyes are different in download/enlargement, slightly moved on branch and the head is slightly repositioned. The expression is more intense. The first photo is the one I would choose to crop. Both are great Captures. TFS Cliff

I took several photos within a short time. They may not be perfectly identical but my main point is a cropped vs a non cropped photo of the same subject. They are close enough to make that type of determination.I prefer the uncropped . Still appreciate your observation and feedback.

eurobird Loc: uk

I like both I think it was worth cropping.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thomas H. wrote:

I came across this hawk at first light perched in a dead tree with it's back facing the dark woods. I have it in both cropped and uncropped versions. I really prefer the uncropped photo and would like to get some other's opinions. Thank you for looking and for your feedback !

Thomas, they are both great. The wall hanger would be the first one. Would love it in a good frame and at least an 8x10.

Greg

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

They are two different concepts. If I were going to hang one it would be the first. The black sky and pattern of tree limbs make it much more than a bird portrait. The close up is a lovely shot, too, just different.

lilac

Thomas H. wrote:

I came across this hawk at first light perched in a dead tree with it's back facing the dark woods. I have it in both cropped and uncropped versions. I really prefer the uncropped photo and would like to get some other's opinions. Thank you for looking and for your feedback !

Excellent captures!

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Pretty bird, very nice...

CSand Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

I too like the first one. It has the story.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

Nice - I prefer the cropped version - the uncropped is way too busy for my taste.

usn ret Loc: SoCal High Desert

Caption for # 2 "What! Who do you think you are, taking MY photograph?" The wide open eyes helped with caption. Still both great shots. Cliff

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

I agree with your crop suggestion.

graphic1 wrote:

I like the tangle of limbs in the first shot. It gives a graphic appeal to the capture. I would play around with cropping up to half of the fight hand branch and a bit of the top to remove some of the black space from the frame( though the balance isn't bad). I just prefer having the main subject off center in the frame. I can't argue with the impact of the cropped portrait of your hawk it has nice impact. Have fun playing with a great image.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Decisions, decisions...! A bird in it's environment or a bird in detail..?

In the first, the branches add interest to the image.
In the second great detail and true Bokeh makes for a pleasing image.

Not really a choice....keep both!

There will come a time perhaps when one, or the other, will best please or suit circumstances. It would be a shame not to have that choice. Even musicians have 'variations on a theme'.

I like them both.

nikonbrain Loc: Crystal River Florida

I believe you are right while I shoot not to crop there are situations where you can't get closer . I would not crop as tight . I would place the head on the thirds top , on the mouth. More space At the bottom , print at least 24 x 18 or even larger a 24 x 36 would not be to big.With sharpening done in genuine Fractals I think it would still Hold up. The branches add so much to the image keep a good amount in the print .. don't crop so tight. P.S. the top image to centered or bullseye...