What the PROS know about CROPPING (that I wish I knew sooner!)
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- Опубліковано 24 січ 2024
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My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Eastern Canada. This video will show you how and why you shouldn't be afraid to crop your photos.
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Do you like cropping your photos? What’s your reason?
I quite often "shoot to crop" knowing that I cannot add more to the photo once I am done shooting. I would rather have the ability to "crop out" what I don't want in the photo. However, If am shooting say a moonrise I will likely shoot the scene as I want the final image.
I like to get close enough so I have wiggle room level to adjust later
When I started wildlife photography, I tended to do tight portraits.
A weird fact, switching to full frame(R8) helped my composition a lot in that regard.
the only real rule i have on cropping and one i thought you'd mention is ISO, if you having to shoot over your normally best iso dont crop, i use the little M50 and do love it for a few reasons and very happy with it but it does have a poorer clean iso range say upto 400 for very clean and 800 for good, so if i'm in the 800+ i know i really cant crop the image later in post without alot of noise reduction work
like you i shoot alot of wildlife with it on 400mm / 600mm but i also love it for its small compact ability when i need it on its efm lenses
so cropping wise, alot has to do with the iso but i agree with all the points you made.
no
Sometimes I crop because to get the shot you don't always have enough time to compose well. I use post processing to compose the shot. Sometimes I can make more than one image out a photo in post processing. People do have to remember you have to get the image before you can do any of that.
“this is a mugshot, not a piece of art.”
😂😂😂😂 I love it 👌 Simon is a whole mood 🔥🔥🔥
Quote of the day!
I got a good laugh from that. :)
I do love a good mugshot, especially animals.
Thank you for another coffee break very well spent. You're spot on with the current sensors being so large that you can crop in after the exposure. Here is why I always crop my images, to avoid theft. That's right, some photographers steal your photos and post them as their own (some are pros), don't get me started there. By cropping my posted images, I have the uncropped area as evidence that the photo is indeed mine. This makes copyright challenges easy, and quick, and the thieves remove their claims faster than you can make your next cappuccino. :)
Great point!
Same here! The rudimentary yet effective anti-theft method.
How are they stealing your photos that you haven't posted?
This is really smart and something I've not heard of! Thank you for sharing this.
I'm sorry but if you took the photo and posted it can't you just prove it by using the RAW file?
The general motto of the puritans also fits for photographic puritans: "You can do whatever you want - as long as you don´t have any fun!"
Or to be a little bit more serious: It's the subject and the composition that defines the aspect ratio, not the camera maker.
Love that last line. million likes.
Not really, the reason for the no-cropping recommendation is more from the past when you didn't have as many pixels to work with. 20 years ago when a camera would get 6mp, you didn't have a lot of them that could be thrown away without significantly shrinking the printable image. Even then if you wanted a different shape of an image than the sensor, you had to crop it.
That being said, I wish there were better tools available now for storing information about crops so that you don't have to manually do it multiple times if you decide you want to reprocess a raw image.
Another reason why cropping has to be acceptable - even to purists who argue that it isn't - is that viewfinders don't always have 100% coverage. For example my ancient Nikon D5000 (still producing great images 15 years later) has a viewfinder coverage of 95% of the total image size which means if you've cropped absolutely perfectly in camera you're in for a bit of a disappointment when you view the actual image as there'll be a little bit extra you couldn't see through the viewfinder which you'll have to crop if you want to produce the image you thought you were getting. I know some cameras (possibly all cameras now) have greater viewfinder coverage but the principal remains. Another argument that you'll lose pixels is only relevant if you crop the image in both aspects - if you crop only the height of the image to create a more "panoramic" result the pixel density is not altered, just the total number of pixels, so resolution is unaffected. Great video as always Simon - keep 'em coming.
I like you mention purists. Those war those you invented the "standard in art" To them - everything has to be perfect, pure, no deviation from what they decided is art and the one and only thing that is pure. Everything else, that is meeting their standard is - well - not pure.
@@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kp Also the same people who don't crop their photos also seem to have no problem whizzing the sliders around in Lightroom and removing powerlines in Photoshop to result in an image that was nothing like what was before them at the time of capture. Mind you, don't get me going on AI.....
It depends what sort of photography you're doing, but in general, you're supposed to be aware of what's right outside of the frame so that doesn't happen. The things that are just barely intruding into the frame are also things that can suddenly fill a significant portion of the frame if a sudden breeze arises or the bug moves.
Some lenses can have a slight bit of a problem in the corners, since they are round and the photo is rectangular, that you may choose to crop out.
The "mugshot" think cracked me up! Guilty as charged!
Just disregard anything the "purists" say--they take the spontaneity and fun out of photography.
I like cropping, especially since i sometimes want the ability to perfectly place the subject where i want it. Even if its just a little bit, it can help the image composition a lot.
As a non- 20 year-super expert photorgrapher, i really need it! 😅
100%. People have a tendency to mistake guidelines and common practices for requirements. Most techniques are taught with the goal of equipping someone with the knowledge of what general ideas and methods worked for people in the past, which allows them to achieve similar results if that is what they are aiming for. The more of these techniques that we learn, the more finely-tuned the decision-making process becomes, and the more artistic freedom to express ourselves and develop our unique style we gain. But so many people take these as prescriptive mandates, as if the prolific artists of the past were the ultimate authority on the "right way" to work. But really, best practices and methods are developed by way of analyzing how someone talented and experienced worked intuitively, and we create the theory behind it as a result of that art rather than the artist actually having those ideas in mind while they were making it in the first place.
Cropping is an art and it can make a good picture great.
@@nosac1230 cropping is not an art.
Cropping is just cropping.
Agreed. And using AI as a photography tool is the latest purist war. Do what you want. And if the photography contest rules say you can’t-why are you entering photography contests???
I love that you're just giving out informations and tips, without saying "it's wrong to crop/not to crop" and not imposing your ideas! This is real wisdom and I'll take great care of it, thanks sir.
Another reason to compose loosely in camera is if you expect to alter geometry; such as straightening verticals, other perspective correction, or even just rotation. Too many times I have composed too tightly in camera, so that important details are so close to the edges that applying rotation or perspective correction will push those details outside the frame. The higher megapixel sensors today do make it easier to compose loosely for those reasons and also for all of the reasons you mentioned like aspect ratio flexibility, and still have enough pixels left over after cropping and geometric corrections.
Super true in Panoramas, where the edges get really distorted.
@@simon_dentremontor with wide-angles. I used to have to compose differently and accommodate for cropping when I'd do skateboarding videos using what basically amounted to fisheye lenses. When I learned how to crop the image ideally for the end result, I used that to alter my shooting style to more consistently produce results I was happy with.
I stopped caring what "real" photographers had to say, in most cases it's just snobby elitism. If it makes your photo look great, then it works.
I'm somewhat of an old school photographer in the sense that most of my work was done on Leicas, Speed Graphics, Panon and Widelux panoramic cameras, Hasselblads, and Sinar Bron monorails. All on film...
I was lucky enough to hang out in NYC back in the 80s with fellows like Bob Schwalberg, who was a writer for Popular Photography in the 50s and 60s, (he was Senior Technical Editor for them the year I was born, 1956) and who also worked for Leica (E.Leitz, Wetzlar) in product design, and public relations. He once told me a quote, from some famous photo editor that he knew back in the day, (I wish I remembered who it was) but the quote was quite memorable in regard to cropping.
The pronouncement was thus:
"The world's greatest photos are created at the precise instant that...
...the grease pen touches the contact sheet."
Of course, most people, during that pregnant pause, would think "...the precise instant that the finger trips the shutter"; and we know of course that that is also true. But from the outlook of this photo editor, it was his art to discover the most striking images hiding on those tiny contact sheets.
Being friends with Bob was like being friends with a living, breathing encyclopedia of photography. He also happened to be quite an excellent photographer, and he must have had a similar opinion of my work, because he recommended me for quite a few assignments, and also was most generous with giving me his ongoing critique, for which I will be eternally grateful. I'm frequently reminded of funny little anecdotes of his like this one, when I'm reading or watching content on photography.
BTW, greetings to you in Canada, Simon! I was born in Toronto, although I moved to NYC in the mid 80s, and have finally ended up living in Arizona. I haven't had the pleasure of visiting Canada in quite a few years, but I still feel my roots there, more and more as I get older...
I've subscribed to your channel, and look forward to more of your essays.
Remember, as long as you’re happy with the photo, it’s a good photo. Experiment, refine it, become a pro
But "pro" by definition means "other people like it." They like it so much, they're willing to pay you.
@@BackcountryBrete You wouldn't have simply added quotes in, to make it appear as if you're quoting a reliable source, would you?
That doesn't seem to be a quote taken from merriam-webster under the definition of professional. This is why I ask.
@@BackcountryBrete
"professional
1 of 2
adjective
1
a
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession
b
: engaged in one of the learned professions
c(1)
: characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession
(2)
: exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
2
a
: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs
a professional golfer
b
: having a particular profession as a permanent career
a professional soldier
c
: engaged in by persons receiving financial return
professional football
3
: following a line of conduct as though it were a profession
a professional patriot"
professional
2 of 2
noun
: one that is professional
especially : one that engages in a pursuit or activity professionally"
- merriam-webster
Here, in this example, we can see I just corrected you, in a professional manner, as to the definition of "professional." You may not have "liked it" and no one "liked it so much, they payed me" for doing it. However, it was a correction, performed in a professional manner, nonetheless.
@BackcountryBrete no photo you take will please everyone. If it's your favourite photo you've ever taken, that's good enough - some will hate it, some will love it 📸
OMG those owls are everywhere, so adorable :)
Love this: "This is a mugshot, not art." That says it all.
I am guilty of this, lol
Someone with some sense, finally! Shooting wide and cropping saved me a couple of years of editing as an event/wedding photographer when I missed (even slightly) in camera. Having room to pick the best lines -upon further reflection- also improved my work. Thanks -a random mike
It's viable now in a way that it didn't used to be because images have more pixels now than they used to. A 10% reduction in the used portion of the frame was a lot bigger deal 20 years ago.
LOL True but that's why there was medium format.@@SmallSpoonBrigade
I remember using film. Film had a similar downside to low pixel cameras. The more you crop, the more resolution you lose. There's a clear limit based on your specific equipment to how much you can oversize the frame and still end up with a good photo cropped to the size that you actually want.
My Dad taught me the basics of photography. He isn't big into editing, but the one thing he did do a lot of was cropping. He didn't care too much if he shot slightly too wide or slightly off center because he could fix it in post (as long as there was enough wiggle room). I learned to photograph with a similar style and quite frankly, I kinda like the freedom it gives me vs having to set up the perfect composition every time.
Very helpful video ❤ … there is one comment I have. The moment someone decides to take a picture is already the moment this very person is doing a crop. It does not matter whether the crop is applied „in camera“ or in post. The only difference is that in post I may have additional options assuming some care was applied with the composition out of the camera.
I had a neighbor that was artistically inclined. When I would get a couple rolls back from processing I would take them over and she would go through them and give critique. She often used her hands to crop images to see if they could be improved. It really helped me with composition. I kind of wish I had stuck with it. I was kind of expecting this to be a discussion on why leaving extra room in photos wasn't a bad thing. I was not disappointed. Thanks.
Cropping for composition is an essential learning curve. I’ve only recently started photography and have taken lots of photos that I thought were interesting only to find that cropping them makes them better, so I have started to learn from that and now composing the shots better. Never be afraid to do something that helps you become better, just because the practice is ridiculed by others. Thanks for this video, much appreciated 🙏🏻
As a motorsports fan/photographer I totally agree it is almost impossible to shoot moving race cars with out some cropping to get a good finished photo. Your photos of the whale with the boat in the background reminded me. We visited N.S. in late September and got on a whale watching boat out of East Ferry, the last of the season. We saw no less than 10 Hump Backs, Seals and some Bald Eagle. Lots of great photos. Thank you for your inspiring videos.
Went out for a shoot today, I could hear Simon’s voice in my ear nearly every time I framed a shot. Very sound advice, thank you!
After we got our wedding photos back, I noticed a whole load of nice candid moments that had occurred in parts of various photos. Cropping to pull out a "photo within a photo" worked amazingly and they ended up being some of our favourite photos of the day. If you have enough resolution to do it, it's always worth looking around your photos for any unintentional keepers.
That is a great point.
@@ac1646 We got a couple of shots of grandparents (from both sides) sharing a joke, one of my wife talking jibberish with my 1 year old nephew and a couple of others with people just chatting away/being merry, that were otherwise just background noise. Thankfully they were in focus and made lovely additions to thank you cards that we sent out after the wedding.
I like the " bird in a box" comment as that applies to many subjects such as motor racing, aircraft, railway loco shots etc. I have often made that mistake and wished I had included something to show the area around the subject.
Had some very busy time relocating and didn't have enough time for photos. Went out finally yesterday morning in my new/old place back in Poland. Literally just got out of the village into the fields and boom - group of waxings, boom bullfinch, boom big flock of yellowhammers. Made me realise how much I like this stuff. I've sat there in a little chair I carry with me and those creatures actually got used to me quickly.
Frosty morning - wild birds - me and no more humans - heaven!
I must say that probably for even longer time I've not had enough time for UA-cam. When watched your video today it felt... Weirdly good. Very good. You've got a skill to talk sir and I'm glad that I'm not so crazy busy anymore. I can have my wildlife photography time and "Simon skill share" time too.
Thnaks a million for your stunning job ✌️📷👍
I find that trying to crop to get the best of a photo is a great way to discover that that photo you really kind of like is not really very good to begin with. Which is a learning thing.As for cropping in general , it is only the final image that matters.
I often shoot at airshows where the action is not only fast but also three dimensional. In those shoots I use center focus with the intention of cropping because trying to get the perfect composition of a subject moving at as much as almost mach 1 is slightly less than impossible. I also shoot a lot of garden macros and shooting to crop makes it much easier to deal with the myriad random intrusions. when shooting portraits or staged images I shoot to fill the frame. IMHO, the correct answer to "crop or don't crop?" is, "It depends."
Good advice! Even (maybe I should say Especially) Ansel Adams used to crop his images. Really, I get quite annoyed at people who say that you should just take whatever comes out of your camera. The aim is to make a nice picture, not to show off how clever at operating the camera you are. Of course, really understanding how your camera works and how to use it in each situation is important, but the process of making a great picture does not end when you click the shutter.
Dang, I struggle to find even one good crop composition and he's just throwing around one, two, three, FOUR, just at a whim! I wish I had that gift
Took me a while to be honest. It's a learnable skill.
I started over 50 yrs ago in the film/negative/enlargement era and every time you put paper in a darkroom easel and adjusted the framing blades, or ran the enlarger up or down, you were cropping. It's been done since the days of W.H. Jackson and Matthew Brady and those guys were the real deal.
Cropping allows me to view the image with fresh eyes again. It can completely alter my appreciation of the picture. The same can happen when I switch to black-and-white. I've learned you should never dismiss a picture too soon. Simple edits can breathe new life into an image.
I do shoots for my restaurant clients and i always need text space so shooting with a large perspective but with 50-80mm helps a alot. This episode cleared my view about even i had any doubts. So, Bravo.
This man is godly with the knowledge and he gives it all out for free missing zero steps in the process.. Thank you infinity times
Too kind!
Thank you for this. I know that many people say not to crop, but I agree with you that depending on the magnification you are using, you might not be able to fill the frame.
A whole lot of very useful advice here Simon! I shot film from the 1960 until 1999, in those days and shooting slide film, cropping was not so easy. It took me years to start cropping or shooting a bit wide to crop later.
I think the whole “don’t crop” purists are hypocritical. Do they not post-process any of their images in Photoshop? What, they couldn’t get the exposure, contrast, saturation, etc. dead right when they released the shutter? ‘Nuff said. Cropping is just another useful post-processing tool. Use whatever tools are available to make the image that pleases you. And as you mention, cropping - like any other tool - can be over-used. So do so judiciously 👍
Thank you for the interesting video.😀
As a professional amateur sports photographer I have to crop pictures. 50% are skewed anyway.
Good photos are created by:
- Shooting at the right moment from the right angle with the right settings.
- Selecting the good photos (very important)
- Straightening and selecting the right section (2nd photograph, was already the case in the darkroom)
- Image editing if necessary
I’ve been watching your videos for some months now, as fairly new to photography. I subscribe to several UA-camrs, but you are by the far the one from which I get most value - keep it coming please!
I would urge everyone with a camera and this idea of "cropping is cheating" to visit the nearest artmuseum and count how many paintings there are in strict 3:2 or 4:3. I would also recommend a course in composition. This have been an ongoing discussion for decades and we should be beyond that by now. All of any interest is what you want to convey. Simple as that...
Some really great tips here, a lot of things I hadn't even considered. Loved the image of the owl tilted slightly to peer around the rocks!
Glad it was helpful!
Good thought provoking video. One of the first 'cropping' I do is to rotate the image a bit to get perfect horizontals and/or verticals, if necesssary. This of course only applies to certain type of images e.g. land/sea scapes and architecture.
Simon, you did it again. Another tip that will improve my photography: when cropping, especially nature, include some features of the environment. No “bird in a box.” Brilliant! Thank you.
6:14 Wasn't expecting a hi-res photo of the Monster of Loch Ness!
One can be a literal photographer, or an artistic photographer.
The literal retains the scene, to the best of their memory, and reproduce the colors seen live.
The artistic will take the image and adjust it to their vision.
Both are necessary and beautiful
And it's Magic when the two come together
As a graphic designer, I loved this video. I've spent years cropping to get the most out of a pic, and have had enough frustrations with shots not having enough space for changing the aspect ratio and/or adding text.
Your photos are suburb BTW.
What a great mentor teacher and overall great host! Thank you for your priceless information!
I love cropping my pics - they almost always look better to me after I have done so, and I love experimenting. I have now discovered that I much prefer a looser crop showing some environment. Real closeups of birds or animals look like they belong in an ID book! I'm not a professional though - I just share my pics on my Facebook or have them put on canvas for my own enjoyment! They work for me and that is what matters!
That is awesome!
I must admit that I do crop a lot. While I understand that sneaker-zooming all photos for composition can be a great exercise, I accept that in shooting nature, it's often not possible or practical. One thing I keep in mind when cropping animals is that pictures nearly always look better when the subject has room to move in the direction they're looking, so even when I crop, I leave plenty of space for context and movement; an image of an animal with its nose on the edge of the frame will rarely look good. All that said, I have little fear, as I printed cropped photos taken with a Canon 50D (15MP) as big as 15x19 that came out great.
Sometimes I won't crop, I will cut in Photoshop and use tools to recreate That section more to my liking.
can't thank this man enough, every bit of information from him is golden.
Great tips! You never disappoint. Thanks
Surely filling the frame is simply cropping pre production.
Crop like a farmer!
Easily one of the best professional education/tutorial videos I've ever seen. 11:19 packed with clearly articulated, well illustrated explanations of concepts.
I love your freedom philosophy, hence the subscription. A couple years ago I had a meeting and I had one of those I-must-take-a-photo-of-that moments and so I snapped a couple shots with my phone. They turned out nice, nothing great, but then a couple months later I made an accidental swipe on my phone and was presented with this fantastic image. I was like wow, beautiful, I wonder who took that? Then it dawned on me, that was my photo. The phone had taken one of those photos I took that day and produced this beautiful image by cropping my shot and changing the focus to something I would have never thought would make a good subject. I admire and respect those who believe that cropping outside the initial taking of the image is not true artistic photography. On the other hand, there is a lot of beauty being camouflaged even in those great photos that were properly framed to begin with.
These days I care less about cropped photos and more about AI manipulated photos, claiming to be real. Talk about a complete lack of any moral compass.
If you’re using ai on nature/wildlife photos and saying it’s real that’s pretty messed up.
I use AI all the time for product photos and social media stuff though. I love the “generative fill” feature in photoshop for fixing up any missing areas or covering up weird looking objects
I discovered the aspect ratio bit back in the 70’s when I was learning photography, and (b&w) darkroom techniques. My 35mm camera provided a 3:2 aspect ratio. But if I wanted to make a 5x7 or 8x10, then my photo would be, well, cropped. I realized 4x6, 5x7, 8x10 etc are arbitrary (though accepted) standards.
Excellent job of explaining this!
Great presentation - I'm a huge fan of capture first, crop later
10:02 Bonus tip - the best tip :)
Simon, Your cropping video has so many good points. Especially leaving more room to have crop choices in post processing. I have learned many great points, over this past year, from your UA-cam channel videos and your course on the Journal of Wildlife Photography! Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for all!
10:28 "This is a mugshot, not a piece of art" , best analogy I've heard in a while,love it
It made me laugh. good one🤣
I am stealing this line from now on😂
“Bird in a Box” is good. You see a lot of that very well done with great resolution but simply not interesting beyond that IMHO.
Again, Simon, another great video. As always, love your photos. You're the best!
Hey Simon, the algorithm popped you up on my UA-cam and I'm glad it did. Really great video. About ten years ago I got into DSLR photography, but lately it has slipped to using my Google Pixel phone. But everything you discussed still works for me. I look forward to seeing more of your stuff.
(Also great to see an old Barrax alumni after many years...)
Hey, cool!
Hi Simon. I remember asking you in a comment on another video, some time ago, to talk about aspect ratios. I'm so glad you took notice of the suggestion and included this in the video. It's awesome to know that, even with so many subscribers, you still listen and interact with the community in such an positive and active way!.Much appreciated!
I do and you’re welcome!
Larger prints are often seen from a distance so it doesn't need fine small pixels, 6 mpx is good for a house wall, high megapixel is great for editing and coping, according to me... But am I right? Do you have any episodes about megapixel, I still love my old 6 mpx camera.
Came here to see if anyone else had said this, you're 100% right. Those ads a few years back with "shot on an iPhone" and an image on a billboard really annoyed me, because I knew most people wouldn't understand that when you're viewing something from so far back, something that size is probably like 2MP.
Sure do! ua-cam.com/video/ThpQWhOfKO4/v-deo.htmlsi=ntdyxDvUCno__PKn
Brilliant examples to illustrate a strong presentation.
Sometimes I shoot vertically with the horizon in the middle and crop to square to get a fake shift lens effect. Useful if you have architectural elements and need to keep lines parallel.
Just wanted to express my appreciation for the incredible work you do on your photography channel. Your videos have been an invaluable resource on my journey to becoming a better photographer. I love how your content is always direct and filled with practical tips, cutting out unnecessary filler material. Even though I still have a long way to go, your guidance has made a significant impact on my skills. Thank you
Glad you like them!
Agree 100%
That’s the words I was looking for ! He has a great to the point channel
“Bird in the box”, loved that part. Thanks once again for the thorough walkthrough!
My pleasure!
Another great video- went quickly to the point, answered many questions, great production quality. Thanks! Looking forward to hear more about your trip the Africa.
Thank you for the explanation and assurance. ❤🙏
One of the best photo learning channels out there, look forward to seeing your content every time you post. Great work Simon!👏
Wow, thanks!
I enjoy cropping my photos depending on what the subject is doing. Plus you always encourage us to be creative and take a chance when it comes to photography. 😊
Yes! Thank you!
Great video Simon...thanks!
Simon, great video! you still being one of my favorite photographer and content creators! ... and Im still mad at youtube that doesn't allow me to click on "like" more than once
I've been an output professional for well over 30 years so I approach cropping from a manufacturing standpoint. If you want your image to look like you want it always provide enough image in the frame for a physical crop during the manufacturing process.
Karl Malone
Your videos are getting better and better. All very clear explained and also in this video I recognized again some basic mistakes I make. Thank you for providing so many useful resources
So nice of you
I will crop out things that don't add to the photo, something that draws the eyes away from the subject...for instance, I did a lot of surfing photos while in Hawaii. I posted some I had cropped on the photo group I am on with facebook. Everyone commented wonderful things and one did ask about why I was cropping to a close image of the surfer on the waves? Because the waves were not impressive but the skill the surfers had created all kinds of very cool shots as they flip, twist and turn on waves..the water would come up on the surf boards, cascade off their body in patterns! It was so cool that I cropped out the wide but not impressive wave shot to a close shot of the surfer showing what I saw as artistic. They took their shots I gave them and they are all on instagram! So it worked for what I wanted and the surfers loved it.
I've never had a problem with cropping. I'm not a pro, it's all just for me, so I don't care what anybody thinks about cropping. My first digital camera was a 1-megapixel Kodak. No one in my circle had even heard of a digital camera yet (1996?). With all of the megapixels in cameras today, there's plenty of room to crop and still get a great-quality photo. I've been shooting since 1978. I got all the technical stuff down, but I never have developed that oh-so-important artistic 'eye'. Your photos are truly awesome!
I had an old digital Sony camera that took floppy disks! Nothing quite like loading a huge floppy into the a: drive on a camera. I think each disk held like 15 images of 1.5 megapixel photos lol
I am brand new to photography and I have watched almost every single one of your videos in the last month. You are an incredible teacher and make photography easy to learn even if you know absolutely nothing (like me). Just wanted to thank you for your hard work on this channel, I wouldn't have a fraction of the knowledge I now have about photography if not for you! And best of all you make your videos short, concise, and fun! Thank you
Welcome aboard!
Simon, your photos are amazing!!!
RC Concepcion once said on Scott Kelby's show "Do what serves the image."
Such a simple way to put it, and it changed how I approached editing completely. Unless shooting for spec it doesn't matter what I do to get the image I want. Crop, punch up the contrast, etc.
Just here to say that Simon is the BEST photography coach on UA-cam!
Too kind!
I have to definitely agree there.
Hi Simon, I do Crop when nessesary but when I'm shooting with my Smartphone I try to avoid it. Love the Bird in the Box Mug Shot example 👏. This video was very useful to me because I didn't realise the different Focal Lengths effect the end result in Cropping. Thanks Simon I learned something I didn't know before. 😊
Thanks Simon ☺️
Non commercial and very informative, that is sufficiently rare to be commended ! 😎
Glad you liked it!
Another excellent, interesting and information packed video Simon. Learning made easy. Thank you so much :)
Hey Simon, i started photography a couple months ago and your channel has helped me loads. Your videos are super professional, very well explained and informative, and your backlighting is just peachy. Keep up the great work, you're an inspiration sir.
Thanks very much!
I started with Photography back in the film days. We were taught to shoot wide and crop in the dark room. The reason for this was if you filled your space you missed so much that could be possible compositional Elements. Thank you for this video. It is much needed.
I have heard this often while shooting film as well. You can always shrink the frame, but you can't expand it. This, despite film clearly showing far more grain any time you crop. The overall image always take precedence over things like image quality. Afterall, the first thing anyone sees is the image itself. They can quibble over it's fine details and technical aspects later.
Thank you for the awesome tips!
My favorite photo-teacher, in my favorite classes, with the most favorite tips and teachings...🤓 Regards!
Great advice Simon I agree with everything you say here. I believe that unless your entering shots for competition or stock the world is your oyster. Do what you like. Photography is an art after-all. You don't have rules in every facet of your life. I love my togging as I'm sure purists do too, but their rules mean nothing to me. I also have another reason that you may agree with as a reason to crop is if your lens is not sharp edge to edge. Most imperfections that cause CA show at the edge of the frame. In that case it could be advantageous to shoot your subject in the middle and "frame for composition" in software afterwards.... Love the channel fella.
So glad you mentioned about images for magazines. As a magazine designer, it’s really frustrating getting images that have been cropped or shot too tightly to fit the page or the magazine’s layout grid. Like you said, always leave space around the main subject if you want it to go in a magazine, even if it’s just to allow for the bleed on a full page or a double spread. It’s easier to crop the image, than add to it. Or sometimes, as you experienced, it will just not get used. And always ask the art department for any specific specifications and send the image full resolution and cropped. You can suggest a particular crop you would like, but if it doesn’t fit the magazine’s format, you have to be a little flexible if you want it published. It’s called being a professional.
Thanks for the first hand feedback!
Comprehensive, well organised as usual. Thank you. Great video
Glad you liked it!
Thx Simon,
You're my favorite photography guru
Wow, thanks!
Amazing video as always Simon.
You’ve mentioned entering photography competitions.
I think it will be great if you make an entire video on that topic, where to find photography competitions and how to enter them and some tips on winning them.
What do you think?
Noted!
In a photography class we once discussed "making" a photo vs. "taking" a photo. It took a bit to let go of getting the "perfect shot" but as a result I'm a much more creative/artistic photographer!
Ok main reason I always aim to capture in camera and make each shot count is cos I started my journey in the 70s as a kid using film. It taught me well!
Spectacular. Thank you for your work!
Thank you too!
I crop when necessary
Every single crop I make is free-form. Never a ratio. Never “standard” print size. I have to crop a photo to exactly where it FEELS perfect. Cropping is actually one of my favorite parts of the photography process. I find it very cathartic! Crop on! 😃 📸
Exactly!
ditto
As always, Simon, a very helpful video. Thanks!
My pleasure!
I crop all the time sometimes too much but now I am much more aware.