Cropping A Photo - Post

Original Photo - Cropping for dynamic effect is perhaps where cropping can be the most fun since we get to bend the rules. Experiment with different aspect ratios, shapes and sizes. Can you find the hidden photo before scrollng down?

Cropped Photo - Photography, be it digital or traditional, is an applied art. There are technical aspects to taking the 'photograph' but there's also a significant artistic component in the composition of memorable photos. Every picture tells a story and how we crop an image is an integral part of the story telling process.

Cropping doesn't mean 'chopping' out important bits of context or history of an image. Rather, think of cropping as the act of cutting away unnecessary or unwanted portions of an image to help focus the viewer's attention and help tell a story.

While there are many aspects of photography including depth of field, lighting, color balance, etc., which affect an images impact, cropping is one of the most fundamental principles in image composition.

Remember, cropping is as much an art form as it is a technical operation. No two images or scenes are the same and therefore no two cropping solutions will be the same. Concentrate on the fundamental issues behind why an image is being cropped and then be bold and experiment. Learning from failures is just as valuable as learning from successes.