I always enjoy how every photographer seems to have a slightly different way of cropping the same image. That's part of the reason, along with the actual composition of the shot and the positioning of the photographer, that the same scene can be so different when taken by different shooters. As I said, I really like that - and the
way it frequently surprises me - and makes me see things in a different way.
HOWEVER, I just had the weirdest "cropping experience". I had a individual buy three, pretty large, images. He then wanted me to change one of them to match the dimensions of one of the other ones - just so he could use the exact same sized frame for each! Sort of like buying a painting, and then asking the artist to redo it in another shape.
I said no. He is still picking them up Sat. - but is thinking of taking another image that is the "right size" - even though he and his wife like this one better! I'm still shaking my head..
The next two images are the "real" print and what would have happened to it if I chopped it down. See what happens? Just so you know: my images are essentially toned/tinted b & w, but with varying, small amounts of the original colors brought back in. Then dodged, burned, etc.
Posted by Grant Collier on April 15, 2009 at 6:49 PM
I've had this request before, to have the image cropped a little differently. I thought it was no problem, as I was able to crop it in a way that I still liked it. Besides, if a customer buys the print only, they can always crop it differently with the matting. So unless you only offer fully-framed or plaque-mounted images, you don't always have control over the final look. I think the difference with a painting is that there is only one original version of the painting, whereas you can print many photos. I always have to crop photos differently for my calendars, so that they'll fit on the full page, so maybe I've just grown accustomed to it.
I personally don't favor the first one over the cropped one you posted...I like both about the same. But obviously, if you feel you don't want the 2nd one representing your work, that's your choice. But from a customer's point of view, I think it makes sense that if you're buying three photos that are going to be hung side by side, you might want them all the same size.
Posted by Jesse Speer on April 15, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Actually, the beauty of photography is that you aren't creating a one-of-kind, fixed pieces like a painting (in most cases). Cropping, enlarging, etc are all part of the fun. This is what makes photography unique within the realm of the fine arts. What you describe is actually very common for me, and isn't weird at all. People who buy multiple prints usually try to buy the same size. And there can be a measure of satisfaction in having your clients take their own creative approach in displaying your work. Anyway, just my take. Not trying to dissuade you, but it's certainly not uncommon. But why say NO to someone who is ready to buy your photography? How do you know that they won't just buy the full size version and trim it at the frame shop?
Grant & Jesse:
I understand completely. These, however, are limited edition, matted prints, sold with a certificate that states the image size, the mat size, etc. They are - sort of - more like a painting. They are welcome to cut them up - they're just not my images anymore. I also have "regular" prints, if that's what they want. I can then do whatever they want (at a much lower price).
This is what I meant, however - you find them both OK, and I really have problems with the cropped one. Everybody sees stuff differently, and that's great.
Posted by Jesse Speer on April 15, 2009 at 8:56 PM
Ahhh, limited edition. Makes sense now. Yeah, you certainly have to stick to that size I guess.
Posted by Linnet Long on April 16, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Just another bit as far as how the cropped one looks--yes, it loses some of the expansiveness, and the route "into the field" maybe doesn't seem as obvious...but it's not hugely awful! Although if it were cropped with a little more territory showing on the left, some of the original "feeling" might come back. Did the buyer specify how it should be cropped? Or is that your cropping?
Discussion
8 repliesway it frequently surprises me - and makes me see things in a different way.
HOWEVER, I just had the weirdest "cropping experience". I had a individual buy three, pretty large, images. He then wanted me to change one of them to match the dimensions of one of the other ones - just so he could use the exact same sized frame for each! Sort of like buying a painting, and then asking the artist to redo it in another shape.
I said no. He is still picking them up Sat. - but is thinking of taking another image that is the "right size" - even though he and his wife like this one better! I'm still shaking my head..
The next two images are the "real" print and what would have happened to it if I chopped it down. See what happens? Just so you know: my images are essentially toned/tinted b & w, but with varying, small amounts of the original colors brought back in. Then dodged, burned, etc.
I personally don't favor the first one over the cropped one you posted...I like both about the same. But obviously, if you feel you don't want the 2nd one representing your work, that's your choice. But from a customer's point of view, I think it makes sense that if you're buying three photos that are going to be hung side by side, you might want them all the same size.
I understand completely. These, however, are limited edition, matted prints, sold with a certificate that states the image size, the mat size, etc. They are - sort of - more like a painting. They are welcome to cut them up - they're just not my images anymore. I also have "regular" prints, if that's what they want. I can then do whatever they want (at a much lower price).
This is what I meant, however - you find them both OK, and I really have problems with the cropped one. Everybody sees stuff differently, and that's great.