How would you crop this?

[Reyna]

I know this portrait doesn't follow the rule of thirds. I hate to crop any of the beautiful background out so I can't figure out how to crop it. Any suggestions or should I keep it the way it is?




TIA

 

[runnah]

Like so

Or

 

[tirediron]

Crop away most of the empty LH side for two reasons: One, the child is looking to the right, and two, that will eliminate the greatest quantity of blown highlights, and since the eye is naturally drawn to bright over dark, that will help stop the viewer from being pulled away from the main subject.

 

[ronlane]

Crop away most of the empty LH side for two reasons: One, the child is looking to the right, and two, that will eliminate the greatest quantity of blown highlights, and since the eye is naturally drawn to bright over dark, that will help stop the viewer from being pulled away from the main subject.

I agree with this. I would probably try to use something to fix that blown out grass in front of her left knee.

 

[runnah]

You're right after actually doing it it looks better.

 

[Reyna]

Crop away most of the empty LH side for two reasons: One, the child is looking to the right, and two, that will eliminate the greatest quantity of blown highlights, and since the eye is naturally drawn to bright over dark, that will help stop the viewer from being pulled away from the main subject.

I agree with this. I would probably try to use something to fix that blown out grass in front of her left knee.

Should I fix the grass in front of her knee? I thought it sure gave it character but I would love to hear other thoughts too...

 

[Reyna]

I was thinking that but if you crop out the LH you have to crop out most of the BG in order eliminate the sun

What is LH and BG? Sorry, not sure of these terms yet!

 

[tirediron]

Left Hand, Background

 

[ronlane]

Crop away most of the empty LH side for two reasons: One, the child is looking to the right, and two, that will eliminate the greatest quantity of blown highlights, and since the eye is naturally drawn to bright over dark, that will help stop the viewer from being pulled away from the main subject.

I agree with this. I would probably try to use something to fix that blown out grass in front of her left knee.

Should I fix the grass in front of her knee? I thought it sure gave it character but I would love to hear other thoughts too...

I would fix the grass, to see how it looks both ways.

 

[Reyna]

Ok, thanks.

Better?

 

[fjrabon]

very rough edit to give you the basic idea:


8103117788_fa4168bb2a_c by franklinrabon, on Flickr

 

[laynea24]

very rough edit to give you the basic idea:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/franklinrabon/8103189522/
8103117788_fa4168bb2a_c by franklinrabon, on Flickr

Her leg is gone! Lol

 

[snowbear]

Here's my take on the crop (didn't try to fix the flare):

View attachment 24014

 

[portermeister]

Tell the parents to stand directly behind you and get her attention. Not off to the side.

 

[Gadfly]

My favorite crops are Runnah's second, and Snowbear's. Overall, it's a good job. I didn't mind the golden flare on the grass.