Which and Why? Another Example, Cropping

[rolandogomez]

Hi everyone! I know I've been absent a bit, but trying to stick around more. We'll soon be upgrading the forum software for more efficiency, so stay tuned!

For now, we've opened up this new forum as quasi-critique area, in other words, the poster must post two similar images, and the members must provide which of the two they like, and why? Call it a different form of critic, more like proactive feedback. No photo required to post your choice and feedback.

The key, both images must be close to the other, and/or some type of change like sepia verses color or similar poses. You can also take one image and ask, this crop or that crop and why? I'll kick this off with some examples. All "why" answers must be constructive, not destructive, the idea is to learn from other people's thoughts! Thanks, rg sends!

Please choose between the first and second image and explain why you like/dislike? Thanks!
(example of in camera cropping [can also be same image cropped differently)
1.


or
2.

[Eric E]

Definitely number 2 on this one for me. There's less "clutter" in the background (the gap between the pillows really bugs me for some reason) since it's been cropped out and the model's expression has a more sweet-and-innocent thing going on.

Not that I wouldn't be proud to have taken either one of them.
Good job, as always, RG.

[rolandogomez]

Thanks, that's some valid points, especially about the pillow I didn't notice. Thanks, rg sends!

[JKlebPhoto]

The second one. The eyes wants to make a circle around the L shape that the face, breasts, and arms make. Vertical frames also tend to covey strength which works well here.
With all the highlights on the front of the body all the attention is drawn there on the first image. It makes the right side of the photo seem a bit seperated from the main subject of the image. There's enough shadows in the face and hair to give depth and contrast, so the right half of the photo adds more than you need.

I remember that bed cover from the Houston workshop last year.

[Dnoces]

Well I am not one to really provide expert opinion, but in my case I will choose picture number 1. For me it is all in the eyes and looks much more natural. Pic 2 the eyes are a little to intense or something. The second picture her head is slightly leaning over giving it a slouching feel and not the case in the first one. Of course I could be off my rocker if they are the same shot and just cropped. haha

[Kirk]

I personally prefer the first shot. The crop on the second one gives me the feeling it was cropped specifically to remove something that wasn't suppose to be there and this was what was left. I would feel differently about the 2nd one if she was holding something or modeling a product. Perfume bottle, drink or hair product.

[Jim Peters]

The Second Shot Also Has A Much Better Expression,The Closer Crop Really Draws my Attention
To The Models Inter Beauty,And Best Assets. I Want To Then See More!The First Image Expression Is Just Very DEADPAN!Lighting Falls off,Cluttered Background
In The second Images You Really Feel That You Want To Get to Know Her!
I'm Sold,Second Image!

[Jim Peters]

Sorry But I Wanted To Add That On Image One The Body English From The Shoulders Back
Needs Improvement.To Just Laying Her Down Flat Like That Makes Her Butt look Flat.No Curve.I Really Believe That Even When You are Just Are Shooting A Head Shot,The ENTIRE Body Should Be Posed.It Gives Much Better Posture Even To The Head and Shoulder Shots.Also Again the Back Of Both Hands Are Showing.Turning Them On There Sides and Extending The Fingers,Or Closeing The Hand Slightly.May Have Worked Better!
JP

[SteveB]

#1 hands down however for me you went a little overboard with the post proccessing on her skin. Darken the background a touch and clone the pillows together for a reeal winner!