Now that we can enjoy cameras with multi, mega-pixel resolution in their CCDs there is an indulgence and pictorial improvement denied us with earlier models: that is, the role of cropping.
There one single basic skill in photography that no amount of technical cleverness can overcome or bypass: the skill and art of composition — if you ain’t shot it right, no matter of dodging and shuffling can save it. Except for the thoughtful approach of cropping.
Even if you’re dissatisfied with the your efforts after the event, it may still be possible to not only save the shot but take it to higher levels of visual acclaim.
It’s all too easy to shoot a great shot, then a few days later, have second thoughts about its framing. Flaws like too much sky, an excess of picture at the sides or bottom of the picture are all too easy to let slip through. Often, in terms of pictures, less is preferable to more!
With almost any camera sold today the opportunity to crop or select a part of the image is inherent. The examples shown here were shot on three different cameras: a Nikon, a Fujifilm FinePix and a Casio.
The yacht shot (Nikon) has benefitted enormously from cropping, with the final image making a far more satisfying print The dark, meaningless areas at the top of the picture have all gone.
This shot, taken in a city market (Casio), was ‘going nowhere’ before some severe cropping. The final image and delivers an attractive and unusual ‘string bean’ print.
The shot of the Ford Mustang (Fujifilm camera) had potential, only realised when the shot was tipped over to straighten its direction, the top and bottom of the picture removed and the area at top left filled out with some deft rubber stamp work. Now the image has motion in its composition.
Tricks of the Trade
The old adage “if in doubt, leave it out!” applies to image framing. The cautious may prefer to shoot two shots, one the full picture and a companion picture, severely cropped; shoot both and decide later.
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