I just can't seem to make the cut!!

[Tight Knot]

HI all,

I have this shot of a vulture (not sure what type) and it seems to need a crop.
Unfortunately, I don't seem to be able to come up with one I like.
Soooooo,,,,,,, if anyone would be interested in:
A: Showing me a crop they think works, or:
B: Letting me know if they feel that it doesn't need cropping, or:
C: Letting me know that they feel it's a waste of time and cropping won't help, would be greatly appreciated, and may even let me get some sleep tonight!

In all cases, I would love to hear from you.

 

[sscarmack]

 

[astroNikon]

and a little more closer crop


I like seeing more of the bird, and less of everything else
I positioned to the right and as you can see the entire tail is there. I kept it at 5x7 which kinda brought in the left a little too far but I had to crop it there to eliminate the leaf stuff at the top & right.
The leaves were killing the photo.

 

[Vince.1551]

I suggest a close portrait crop. Gives character to the vulture.

 

[Tight Knot]

I tried both of these crops, but it "feels" off with the vultures head in the middle of the top third. Do you guys feel the same way?
Or am I just being waayyyyyy to critical?

 

[The_Traveler]

 

[astroNikon]

I tried both of these crops, but it "feels" off with the vultures head in the middle of the top third. Do you guys feel the same way?
Or am I just being waayyyyyy to critical?

The leaves at the top is a problem. They can't be there. So either crop them out or PhotoShop them out.

Edit - I do like Lews - he photoshopped the leaves lower as a boundary

but then .. I've been reading about horses today

 

[astroNikon]

I really need to get PhotoShop one of these days.

 

[Tight Knot]

There we go!! That, I like!! Thanks Lew.

 

[Tight Knot]

I tried both of these crops, but it "feels" off with the vultures head in the middle of the top third. Do you guys feel the same way?
Or am I just being waayyyyyy to critical?

The leaves at the top is a problem. They can't be there. So either crop them out or PhotoShop them out.

Edit - I do like Lews - he photoshopped the leaves lower as a boundary

but then .. I've been reading about horses today

Hey Astro, thanks.
I actually like the leaves too. I feel they really help make the shot.

Here is another one that is similar. I specifically made sure to use the leaves to frame the vulture.

 

[Vince.1551]

This is what I meant if you could maintain your sharpness. Quick edit from phone.

 

[Tight Knot]

Hi Vince,

Looks good. Thanks.