Head cropping

[sashbar]

Or a bit closer and less aggressive:

 

[PhotoriousMe]

sashbar, I do like that second crop.

I feel like one thing this thread has shown is that every image probably has several crop possibilities that will appeal to different people. The trick is to improve the image by cropping to better focus attention onto what is most important in the image in relation to what is being conveyed.

 

[spiralout462]

There is a successful portrait photographer that always crops off the top of the head. Can't think of his name right now. There was an article in POP Photo about a year ago. It's not for me, I don't think. I like the original vertical shot better.

 

[sashbar]

sashbar, I do like that second crop.

I feel like one thing this thread has shown is that every image probably has several crop possibilities that will appeal to different people. The trick is to improve the image by cropping to better focus attention onto what is most important in the image in relation to what is being conveyed.

To do it before you press the button is even better.

 

[The_Traveler]

I like Sashbar's first the best but would:
Warm it up
Darken the bright areas on left (we know the flower is white and dulling it keeps the flower from pulling the eyes.)
Add some vignetting using light center/dark periphery in Efex Color

 

[PhotoriousMe]

Thanks Traveler, I will give that a try on my large file. I don't do many portrait style images so all the help and cc certainly will help me.

 

[chuasam]

Or a bit closer and less aggressive:

View attachment 127881

I like this crop best but I would say that the flower is too blown out and I would like to see some catchlights in her eyes too

 

[table1349]

Personally I would suggest you go with the one you like the best. That's what ultimately matters in the long run.

Just don't let the Taliban do the head cropping for you. When they crop heads, they really crop heads.