This week, Patti suggests that we try Cropping the Shot for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge. One of the most useful tools in the image-processing arsenal is the cropping tool. I can’t tell you how many shots I rescued from the trash with a little judicial cropping.
I can even ‘zoom in’ by the simple expedient of the cropping tool, giving me a closer look at something way off in the distance, as I did with this shot taken at Arches National Park in Utah.
And if I’m really lucky I can get four shots for the price of one with the aid of the cropping tool, as I did with this image that was captured along Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago, each picture focusing on a different aspect of the overall scene; the more leisurely pace of the bike path, the hustle and bustle of the traffic on the Drive and the work going on aloft.
The Nature of Things 
Excellent work here! My favorites are first two!
Thanks, Indira! The eagle was one of many shots that I’ve taken at Brookfield Zoo that needed cropping, either because of the bars or wires that always seem to get in the way.
Ah, great entry and text, Sue! Love your using the same photo in many ways.
Thanks so much, Ann-Christine! It took me a while to find a picture that I could divide into three distinct areas of interests as I’m usually focused on one particular subject.
Well done!
That eagle shot is awesome – love the Arches too!
Thank you! I was really amazed at how well the eagle shot turned out considering there was a mesh barrier between us, and of course, the cropping helped.
The eagle is memorable, really awesome photo!
Thanks, Liz! The eagle shots were from one of my more successful days at Brookfield Zoo.
great examples Sue – I especially liked your 4-in-1. now that’s what I call bang for the buck!
Thanks, Tina! These challenges certainly provide the opportunity to take a closer look at our photos to see what we can make of them.
Good work. I crop a lot because my unsteady hand means that if I try to take just the picture i want, I may miss the target.
Thanks, Tom! That sounds like excellent advice as I find myself doing the same thing more often these days.
I like the way you split up the photo and pull out different meanings. The eagle shot was great before cropping, but wow, even the littlest crop brought out the eye and more feathers. 👍🏼 Donna
Thanks, Donna! I had the idea of finding a picture where there were three or more items of interest but then had a hard time coming up with something. The downtown picture wasn’t technically great but it served its purpose.
Thank you, Donna! I hope you will like my choice of theme. I look forward to seeing your take on it.
Wow. Great crops, great resolution. What kind of camera do you use? Love the Chicago ‘tutorial’. Good examples.
Thanks, John! I mostly use the Canon EOS Rebel T5 but I have to admit to using my old galaxy phone for the Utah shot. I don’t have a wide-angle lens for my camera and the phone, in good light and weather conditions, sometimes provides a decent wide-angle shot.
All nicely done.