Cropping Rules - What Are They?

[VGLphoto]

I had recently posted a picture and RSStory pointed out some cropping issues (Thanks!) to me. This got me to go back and look at other pictures that I had cropped for various reasons. So, I am here asking about a few of the rules for cropping.

My specific questions are:
1. Do you shoot wide on all shots and then crop in as needed or do you try to crop with the view finder?

2. What are the rules for cropping? I have heard several. Above the knee, below the elbow, at the neck but including shoulders. Each time I hear a new one it seems to over ride a previous one.

Also, if you have any other points regarding cropping that you would like to make, please post them here. As always, pre and post pictures are great with any explanations.

[SteveB]

Always try to get it right in camera.

If you are having issues with trying to get a perfect crop, keep in mind there is no rule that says you can't change the aspect ratio on a picture. Nothing wrong with square prints either.

[JKlebPhoto]

I try to frame the shot I want in camera. If you just shoot wide all the time you lose all those pixels you paid so much for. I also find it helps to speed up the process of finding good compositions when you practice getting it right the first time.
BUT, there's always more than one way to skin a cat. Sometimes it a little tweak, sometimes it a major change. Often I find a few different pictures in one frame.

Original


Tweaked a bit


Major change

[Jim Peters]

I Agree With Steve,However There Is Always That moment A Day Later When You Wish That You Had shot A Different Angle Etc.Don't Limit Your Self.Shoot Many Different Angles,And Crops.Leave Your Self Room To Crop Later as Well.
By The Way I Notice That This Shot Shows The Models TEETH! Good For You!I See Alot Of Shots On This Site That Don't.If You Are Shooting For A Models Comp Card Or Portfolio, Remember That Modeling Agencys/End Users Want To See That The Model Has Good TEETH.They Also Like To See That When The Model SMILES That She Does Not Have Strong Lines On Either Side Of Her Face.If A Model SMOKES This Can Happen At A Very YOUNG Age.These Are Called DRAW LINES!Be A CONSULTANT To Your Models They Will Refer You For It!
JP

[JKlebPhoto]

The compliments are owed to Holley. She's a lot better model than I am a photographer.

[rolandogomez]

All rules are meant to be mastered, then learn how to break them. The best rule for cropping, when shooting 35mm as your format, fill the frame in its entirety and crop tight to fit your needs.

There are other rules, such as with posing or the "Rule of Thirds" with composition that all go hand in hand with cropping. In all three of my books I cover these topics, my third book isn't out till the Fall however, but it will cover how cropping affects the pose.

Since there is so much when it comes to cropping, it's best to read articles or books, but the basics are simple, crop like you want the final photo in 35mm. With people, especially with glamour, always crop so your image is full-length, when not going for full-length, then crop three-quarters (above the knee caps or mid-thigh), and if you don't like that, then below the bust line, sometimes called "A button and half," think of counting down buttons from the collar. The last option is a headshot. Regardless, the rule when you start cropping people is "Above the Knee, or Above the Elbow, Otherwise you have an Amputee." Nothing against amputees, but the concept is crop where it appears more natural.

I hope that helps, here's some examples, enjoy, thanks, rg sends!

Full-length, though notice how the clothes crop too!


Three-quarter crop


Bust-up crop


Headshot crop


And the rule breakers, I like to call them "hybrid" crops

[Jim Peters]

Is ART Really a Place For Set Rules??Do You Want To Be A Leader Or A Follower?
A Pace Setter?Or Someone That Stands Back In The Shadows,Ruled By Others?

See petergowland.com He Has Always Marched To h
His Own Drum As Far As Cropping Or Anything Else. He Is Still The Greatest,And Most Inovative Pin Up and Glamor Photographer That Ever Lived!