Crop or Not?

Here's the cropped version.

Beautiful and complex image of the dogwoods, Lori. Those two trunks really help organize the image into something I can take in. I prefer the uncropped version, as I think the dark edge on the right helps frame the whole image, and it extends the leading curve of the dogwood such that it leads my eye into the frame, rather than out.

Lori,

First off, this is a beautiful image. I was just looking for stuff like this in Yosemite this last weekend - to no avail. As far as the crop goes, my initial impression differs from Floris. My self imposed "rule" is, if you're going to cut something off in the frame, do it with intention. In other words, the cropped version composition seems to have more intent and focus. The uncropped version, at least to me, seems undecided so to speak; should I include the full trunk on the right? maybe there's something obstructing the complete view of the dogwood trunk, etc.? The partially cut off trunk raises too many questions. Did she need a wider view to include the whole tree?

OTOH... the uncropped version feels like it has more depth.

Will be curious to hear your preference.

Lon

Beautiful spring picture Lori. I prefer the uncropped version for the same reasons as Floris. I enjoy this very much!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Beautiful shot Lori. I much prefer the slight crop.

When I first glanced at this post, I thought it said "Crap or Not." So, I'll say it's definitely not crap! And I'd say don't crop. I think the full arc of the tree adds to the photo and contrasts nicely with the straight trees in the background. If anything, I think the first might be slightly too tight of a crop and maybe you could have zoomed out just a tad.

Gorgeous forest scene Lori. My preference is the uncropped version. It gives the non-arching trunk on the right a little more room. Beautiful scene overall with a refreshing breath of spring.

What about cropping off the top as well and have the downward branch as the subject? That would be my preference, but maybe a different direction than where you want to go. Beautiful image Lori!

i prefer the uncropped version, i like the curve created and the branch pointing down off the curve leading the eye back to the center

Put me down for uncropped, Lori. Beautiful image.

I have looked at both image several times read all of the other posts and I think I like the uncropped version best.

Lori: Tough call, I'll take one of each I think I'll give the cropped version a 51-49 edge but this is really well seen and composed both ways. Nicely done.>=))>

initially went for the cropped, but after a few viewings have settled on the original. They're both great images.

Beautiful woods shot Lori. I'm a little torn on the crop, but I'm leaning toward the first version (uncropped).

uncropped for me. but i also like crop from top as alternative. nice work. now time for you to share your thoughts!

Beautiful colors and lines and light. I prefer the uncropped version.

Lori, there is more suspense in the cropped version; yet in my opinion, this is not really consistent with the tranquil atmosphere of this scene. That´s why I prefer the uncropped version, which is a very delightful image in my opinion. Thanks for sharing and the opportunity to discuss!

Peter

Beautiful forest scene. I'd prefer the uncropped version.

Both work well, but put my vote down for the uncropped. I like the framing of the side trunk.

Thanks for all the great feedback, everyone! It looks like the majority chose the uncropped version, which is where I finally settled.

A little background: in the field my options were to either leave no room to the right of the dogwood trunk due to other obstructions or settle for some sky shining through behind the arch. I couldn't do both and thus chose the tight trunk as less of a distraction than bright sky in the background. When I first scanned the film my first instinct was to crop the trunk since, like Lon, I usually try to make everything in the frame intentional but not contrived, which is a delicate balance. But after looking at it awhile I felt like the crop upset the flow of the image and didn't allow me to settle into it and enjoy the warmth of a Spring day (badly needed today as we're experiencing whippoorwill winter where I live). So ultimately I settled on the full-frame image. The interesting thing to me is it's contrary to all my "learned instincts" (oxymoron, I know) to leave a major element on the edge that way, but it just feels better! It was a lesson I've learned before, but forget from time to time: in photography all that really matters is what feels right!

Thanks again,
Lori

I prefer the uncropped version, Lori. For me the tree trunk on the right helps frame the image and it makes for a wonderful graceful curve leading me into the woods.

Ed

A beauty of a scene Lori and has your style stamped on it for sure. I would not crop it. I think it's much better with it keeping the viewer roaming around in this nice forest scene.

I'd be happy to have either one, but i vote for the uncropped version and echo Ed's reasons.

Hmmm, probably the first one for the sense of depth already mentioned. The cropped version is good as well. Nice forest you have there!

Chris

Beautiful image. I think that the uncropped version uses the curved trunk to frame the image nicely.