Cropping Quandary

[wjeverly]

I shot this seaplane in Victoria, BC. As you can see in the original, I had the plane dead center because I was trying to keep it in focus. To crop it, I was trying to keep to the rule of 3rds, but wasn't sure which was the best third of the from to put the plane in. I liked having some of the blue sky visible, but liked having the plane in the upper right better than the lower left.

Any thoughts as to which works better? Or suggest another crop? (feel free to download & tweak the original)

Thanks.

Original:


Crop 1:


Crop 2:

[xxpinballxx]

Iwould put it in the top left quadrant. The one you didnt show. It puts it flying into the center of the frame. Out of those three the bottom is best. Does it lose alot when you crop closer and zoom in more on the plane?
it lacks a bit of detail from that distance.
I never have been able to catch good shots of planes or birds so good job on even getting it in your frame and in focus.

[clockdoc]

I agree with pinball on the crop you haven't shown. In crop #1 it is flying out of the frame along with your eyes. 8-) Crop 2 is the best of those offered.

[Redrabbit]

I agree with pinball and clockdoc crop 2 is best. Plane has to fly into picture.

[wulf]

I also lean towards crop #2 - the plane seems to be flying towards the bottom right corner, the blue sky adds interest at the top right and... I just like it better

Wulf

[wjeverly]

Here's a crop with the plane in the upper left:


And for the curious, here's the plane at 100%:


Thanks so much for all the comments. In my head I remembered that the plane had turned and headed left, and that's how I was seeing the photo. Having someone point out the obvious is necessary from time to time.

[xxpinballxx]

nice job. the reworked one look much better.....