Gamache Loc: Clarissa, MN

I've tried cropping this several ways, but cropping seems to take away just how big this tree is. Or am I wrong and should I crop some from the bottom and the right side?

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lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

This is the critique section and you are not really asking for critique, you are asking for post processing and composition advice.

Regarding your specific question, its all about size relationships.
Its not really a cropping issue at this point.
To show size you need a comparison.
The people provide the comparison.
But, the people are much closer in relation to the tree.
Therefore their size is exaggerated and the tree size is minimised.
To show the true size of the tree, it would be much better if your could see the full tree right down to the ground roots and the people were standing under the branches.

Cropping 30% from the right and 30% from the bottom will improve the composition greatly. It won't make the tree any bigger but it will improve the story that the photo tells.

Gamache Loc: Clarissa, MN

Thanks Lighthouse that makes a lot of sense, I'll give that a shot next time I'm at the Park. Again Thanks.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

The only thing that hints at the size of the tree are the two people on the left.

Did you try another angle on the tree?

I feel you need a comparison (a person) against or near the tree to show how big it is.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Lighthouse, I have to disagree with you about your first paragraph. Cropping is an artistic judgment, not a post-processing issue. That being said, I do agree with your cropping recommendations. The building is a distraction and too much open space on the right. Perhaps a little linear gradient darkening along the bottom might help. It may also leave that crop alone. I think the sensation of distance is important to this shot.

As for the sky, I would darken the blue to make the sky more dramatic and to pop the clouds.

I am not sure about the people. I do not think they add anything and may actually detract from the shot. For me, the shot is about the tree, its size, its environment. It does not need the people. From my own imagination, I know the tree is big.

Hope this helps and perhaps you can post an edit with the various suggestions.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Just a note to clarify.
Edits are not permitted in the critique threads..

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

A modest proposal. Allow edits by the op based upon the suggestions. I think that completes the critiquing process.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

No.
Sorry.