To crop or not to crop

[Demers18]

I know what you're thinking, not another train shot. But I've never shot them so this is my version and included in that I tried a new technique and was curious to know if a) this image works and b) crop or no crop

Thanks for taking the time to look and CC would be welcomed.

1. Non-Cropped

[/URL] Train - Test by lee.demers, on Flickr[/IMG]

2. Cropped

[/URL] Train - Test Crop by lee.demers, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[thetrue]

I think I do like the crop better, but I am wondering why it's all dark on the right side?

 

[CP1]

well, in this situation I guess the crop is better. But always try to crop in camera when taking the shot instead by zooming or moving around (may not always be possible depending on the situation) and I know I've been guilty of not doing this myself.

 

[Derrel]

I very slightly prefer the top, uncropped image.

 

[dxqcanada2 1]

I agree with Derrel ... about the bottom crop.

I personally would crop it square.

 

[thetrue]

In my defense, I feel that the crop elongates the train, the uncropped image makes the train feel short and stubby to me.

 

[KenC]

I'm not sure it works. There are two images here, an abstract shadow pattern on snow and a train image, and they don't seem to blend well, at least to me. If I had to make a choice, I'd say the second because the line on the snow doesn't lead one's eye out of the frame as much, but just seems to anchor the image in the corner, and as mentioned the train's shape is accentuated better.

 

[Demers18]

I think I do like the crop better, but I am wondering why it's all dark on the right side?

That is the new technique that I was mentioning. I used a graduating filter to attempt a side lighting. I felt it would work well with this photo.

Here is the non-graduation filter version:

[/URL] Train - Test Crop2 by lee.demers, on Flickr[/IMG]

well, in this situation I guess the crop is better. But always try to crop in camera when taking the shot instead by zooming or moving around (may not always be possible depending on the situation) and I know I've been guilty of not doing this myself.

I normally try to as much as possible. The issue is that during the PP is when I realized the crop may work better and was wondering what worked better for others.

I very slightly prefer the top, uncropped image.

Thanks Derrel

I agree with Derrel ... about the bottom crop.

I personally would crop it square.

Square? WOuld you care to show me how you would crop it as a square?

In my defense, I feel that the crop elongates the train, the uncropped image makes the train feel short and stubby to me.

Hmm, interesting that you point that out. I haven't really thought of it like that. I do find that the crop does work well with the shape of the train.

I'm not sure it works. There are two images here, an abstract shadow pattern on snow and a train image, and they don't seem to blend well, at least to me. If I had to make a choice, I'd say the second because the line on the snow doesn't lead one's eye out of the frame as much, but just seems to anchor the image in the corner, and as mentioned the train's shape is accentuated better.

It's actually the platform of another train that I was trying to use as a frame. I guess using f5.6 may not have been the best option to keep that framing clearer. Something to keep in mind next time around or simply use it as a separate image

Thanks for taking the time to CC. Much appreciated

 

[Designer]

...curious to know if a) this image works and b) crop or no crop

What is the subject? First decide on what the subject is trying to be, then the crop will speak to you.

 

[Demers18]

What is the subject? First decide on what the subject is trying to be, then the crop will speak to you.

The subject is the train. I'm wondering if the image as a whole works the concept of the "framing" attempt.
Personally, I'm not sure. I've been temped to crop out the lower portion completely as I like the main subject which is the train.
Thanks for the CC designer, you do always have a knack of making me think about my images and I like that.