The Frame - Cropping and Extending (1.5)

Requirement

3 images

Purpose

To show how by cropping you can discover new worthwhile images within existing ones

Technical learning

• Cropping is a design option, open to you after taking the picture - it allows you, for example, to change the format of the image from that imposed by the shape of the camera’s sensor. However, it should not be used habitually as a cover for sloppy technique in composing images at the point of shooting. Treat it as a last resort.
• Extending (to create a panorama, in horizontal or vertical format) takes a series of overlapping images and combines in post-production (e.g. using Photomerge command in Adobe Bridge).  Good use of this technique requires you to pre-visualise the final stitched image at the point of shooting.

Exercise instructions

• Select 3 of your own photos, each of a different subject
• Review the originals full frame
• Make a cropping decision
• Save the cropped image
• Makes notes on your cropping decisions

Images and Review


(1) Dawn mist at Bushy Park, Oct 11

    

As shot 

Cropped to heighten sense of panorama and
to remove top third of light blue sky

(2) Horsepond Lavender Farm, Somerset, Sep 11

As shot

Cropped to remove washed out sky, telephone lines
and most of buildings, including the water tank

(3) Beach view from Illa Touxa Grande, Galicia, Spain, May 10

As shot - did not work in vertical frame

Cropped to remove most of foreground sea
and background blue sky above cloud line,
whilst keeping original width of frame
(leading to the use of a square frame)