I tend to leave a fair amount of "negative space" around the subject when I'm processing an image; space that is not filled with an element of interest. I feel like the subject needs room to move about and breathe. Too close a crop to the top of the head and it makes me feel like the ceiling or sky is falling and crowding them, and then I start feeling tension as described in last week's blog. Let's look at this little stunner, Lexi; she let me get right up close to her for this image. I was only inches away. I love the image, but I feel that she's a bit too centered, so I'm going to see if I can improve it with a different crop.
I like her placement better with the crop below. We've got those fabulous furry ears in the frame, but her long, elegant whiskers are a but stumpy now; I think we can do better.
I zoomed WAY IN in the crop below and filled the frame with that gorgeous face and those mesmerizing eyes; I love it!
I've got the Pet Photography 52 Week Challenge to thank for pushing my limits and making me consider my images in a different way. Photography is a journey and I'm always looking to improve my technical skills and spark my creative brain to better serve my clients.
16 Comments
Dec 20, 2020, 9:24:13 AM
Nicole Hrustyk - I'm with you, I have a big bubble, so I feel a little twitchy when there is no breathing space in photos. But these are beautiful and the focus - wow!
Jan 22, 2018, 12:20:48 PM
Kate Falconer - I think I might need to see a macro of those hairy ears. ;-) Classic. Nice clean photos.
Jan 20, 2018, 2:02:30 PM
Rochelle - All of these are magnificent. And great work getting a co operative kitty!
Jan 20, 2018, 10:29:06 AM
Sam Adele - Lexis face really suits this weeks theme! Great demonstration!
Jan 19, 2018, 7:32:26 PM
Darlene - Love your different examples of cropping! I love the first and the 3rd for this image - beautiful eyes with that adorable nose work perfect for "filling the frame"!
Jan 19, 2018, 7:32:09 PM
Mikahla - Lovely images and cute cat. I like how the image works with all three crops, I think the middle is my favourite; not too close and not too much negative space.
Jan 19, 2018, 5:27:34 PM
Sandra mccarthy - fantastic detail.
Jan 19, 2018, 12:20:03 PM
Linda Perdue - Love the kitty photos! They are all great - but I think the last one leaves NO room to look at anything but this beautiful cat - I love it!
Jan 19, 2018, 12:06:34 PM
Danyel - It's the "LOOK INTO MY EYES" look. ;) Nicely done!
Jan 19, 2018, 11:02:21 AM
Elaine - Love. Every. Single. Photo. And orange kitties. Great work!
Jan 19, 2018, 10:48:50 AM
Ashley Siemon - Aw what a sweet, gentle looking kitty! This week was definitely a challenge for me too. I think you totally nailed the theme though. Awesome job!
Jan 19, 2018, 9:59:53 AM
Kelly - Beautiful! I actually like the crop with the ears and whiskers, too. I think that's what I love best about cats. But, oh those eyes. Such wonderful examples!
Jan 19, 2018, 7:51:08 AM
Kirsten - What a beautiful subject!! And perfect example :)
Jan 19, 2018, 6:42:48 AM
Elayne Massaini - Beautiful cat, nice example!
Jan 19, 2018, 5:38:00 AM
Jessica - I love that tightly cropped image. It's wild to think it's the same as the first shot; what a difference composition can make!
Jan 19, 2018, 4:47:47 AM
Kim Hollis - Oh my goodness Lexi is a stunner!