Crop For Perfect Composition
July 11, 2008
Composition is key in the making of a great photo. While many elements go into a photograph, composition can either invite the viewer into the image or keep the image one dimensional and without feeling. How all of the elements in a picture interact with each other through their placement develops the story and message the photograph is wanting to relate to the viewer.
Good composition can turn an average snapshot into a professionals photograph. Composition is comprised of many factors. Some simple elements of composition are the framing and cropping of an image.
Improving the composition of a photograph is simple through the cropping tool available in Photoshop. With this, you can swiftly cut out areas of the photo that you wish to be removed, or that take away from the photo’s subject. Photoshop enables you to measure the portions to by cut, to ensure accuracy.
A major benefit that comes with cropping with Photoshop’s cropping tool is that rethinking your photograph is never a problem. If you aren’t satisfies with your end result, simply start over from the beginning. The possibilities are endless to what you can accomplish.
Better Cropping Tips:
Consider the Rule of Thirds
One example of the differences between the professional and the novice photographer is in the placement of the subject within the image. The professional seldom centers the subject in the picture, while the amateur almost always does. Place the subject off center for a much more professional and eye-catching result. Imagine lines dividing your image into thirds and crop your picture accordingly so that the subject lies in one of the outer thirds. Make a copy of the original photograph in a separate folder for reference, and then try out cropping your subject using the rule of thirds.
Crop to Traditional Print Sizes
You will want to crop your pictures to make sure they will print in a standard size such as 4×6. If they do not fall into one of these sizes, try cutting a little more off. If not, when you take them into print at the local lab the photo lab may have to crop them even more to make them print the right size.
Framing an image through your camera can take backseat thanks to the cropping tool available in Photoshop. Any adjustments and editing can be made sitting at your computer. Another nice feature of Photoshop cropping is that no matter the Photoshop Elements version or the Photoshop CS version, the basic steps remain the same.
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