Biscuitlover wrote:
Walked through the city center of Todi, Italy recently and wanted to capture an image of a group of older folks enjoying the afternoon like they probably do most days. I was further away than I wanted at 55mm, but wanted to remain inconspicuous. Here is the original shot with a couple different crops. Since my focus was on the people sitting, I didn't see others entering the frame.
I think that you are letting your intent get in the way of a good photograph. Check for a good vertical straightness, then crop your first image close outside the stones of the doorway, and modestly tighter on the top and left. Then add a small amount of cloned walkway outside/across the bottom so the folks are comfortably IN the picture.
Eliminate distracting small elements on the right and top - your choice.
The background adds to the interest while the people will dominate.