am I a crop-a-holic?

[AbsolutReef]

do you like how I cropped these photos?

suggestions/comments welcome. used a nikon 8700 in macro mode.

thanks!

 

[nosferatu51]

They are a little claustrophobic, but seems like they look good shot wise.

 

[AbsolutReef]

I'm a detail junkie. What would you suggest? I guess I'd rather see detail in one coral than a lot going on with a fully stocked tank shot. Maybe it's just preference.

maybe better?

^ I feel those are less claustrophobic.. agree? I'd like to strike a nice balance that's pleasing to more than just my eye.

 

[ataylo13]

That is the beauty of the newer digital cameras. The larger the pic they can take the better you can "frame"/crop you shot. These look good though.

 

[Absolute Reef]

Hello there, my long lost brother.

 

[nosferatu51]

I'd say the reason they look claustrophobic is that the subject tends to take up the WHOLE screen. I read something about the rule of 1/3s which seems to work fairly decently. Just keep subjects in the 1/3 -2/3 of the shot and allow something else to be in the remainder to prevent that claustrophobic feel.

 

[kuramura]

Nice details

 

[MCary]

Okay, lemme weigh in.

Rule of thirds does not apply when shooting patterns. Patterns can fill the entire shot. So, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 are fine. I would even say very good. The addition of a little edge detail is a treat.

3 does follow the rule of thirds and keeping the background more detailed rather than going with a creamy bokey gives the shot dimension. It looks like a serious drop off past the ridges of the coral. Also a good shot.

And 5, the in focus polyps are in the lower 1/3 of the photo. Also is within the Golden Ratio.

Overall, technique wise, very solid.

Good Job.

Mike