Aspect ratios and paper annoyance.

[Sirius Glass]

Wiltw's photos above are fine examples of why final cropping in the camera's viewfinder is an artificial limitation imposed upon the creative photographer. We may have a specific use in mind for every photo we capture at the moment of clicking the shutter, but we should also consider the possibility of future situations where different cropping is more appropriate or even necessary. Of course we have laws to protect us from the stupidity and cupidity of others. Such laws are essential in a rational society, and should routinely be obeyed. However, the traditions and rules of photography have evolved more to make us efficient, not to prevent us from becoming better photographers. Testing these boundaries has often led to significant advances in the art and technique of photography. Blind adherence to inflexible guidelines is a terrible strait-jacket to inflict upon creative people!

I crop before photographing, but that has not stopped me from later cropping in dark room if I see it as an improvement.

 

[xkaes]

I crop before photographing, but that has not stopped me from later cropping in dark room if I see it as an improvement.

We all crop when we choose a camera and format -- and again when we choose a focal length and lens. We just don't think of that as cropping, but it is. So if it's done before we trip the shutter or after, the result is the same.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Cropping may not work if the original angle of the shot is wrong. Also, the balance may work in the original and be lost when cropping. Also, cropping from let;s say 4x5 may cut off feet or parts of heads when trying to fit let's say 4x6 . The point is shooting widely figuring you can crop later may not work for various reasons.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

On the other hand, when I switched my camera to shoot 16:9 to match the 16:9 video shots, it took me less than a half hour to adjust to composing "by the rules." and normal aesthetic composition. Again, trying to cut down 16:9 afterward to a different aspect ratio has the same issue as in my last post.

 

[xkaes]

Cropping, of course, can't change the location of the camera, but lots of photographers intentionally use a wider lens to make sure everything gets included -- especially if you can't back up. Adding in a little post-exposure cropping is much better than regretting that you left something out. I've done both!!!

 

[Sirius Glass]

Cropping may not work if the original angle of the shot is wrong. Also, the balance may work in the original and be lost when cropping. Also, cropping from let;s say 4x5 may cut off feet or parts of heads when trying to fit let's say 4x6 . The point is shooting widely figuring you can crop later may not work for various reasons.

Other than retaking the photograph, nothing can correct a poor choice for the original angle of the photograph.

 

[Mick Fagan]

Other than retaking the photograph, nothing can correct a poor choice for the original angle of the photograph.

Unless it is the only angle you can use.