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12/21/2014 09:57:13 PM · #1 |
I have seen many comments on portrait shots that have been entered here and been baffled by a lot of them. Not because they were harsh, but because I did not understand the application of the justification. I look at many highly regarded portraits and see many of the same attributes but none of the same criticism. So..is it yes or no?
Cut/crop off a portion of the top of the head
Cut/crop off a portion of a foot/the feet
In an 'extended' pose, cut/crop off a portion of the extended appendage (hand/foot)
I understand that the environment plays a big part of this in relation to the type of shot you may be going for, but in general terms, if your portrait shot is good to go in all respects, what, if any, of the above is acceptable or not and why?
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12/21/2014 10:25:52 PM · #2 |
generally none of those are acceptable. But there are always exceptions to every rule ;)
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12/21/2014 10:30:10 PM · #3 |
| You can definitely get away with cropping part of the top of the head if it is generally a tight shot. On a full body shot you should avoid cropping the top of the head. |
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12/21/2014 11:03:10 PM · #4 |
.
Are you starting a discussion or looking for Rules of the Game, sometimes I think I've figured it out, but then I'm not sure.
What you cut off depends on what you're doing with the edge of the composition. On the other hand, sometimes it feels like commenters are just noticing the obvious.
[eta] Oh how I love to look thru my favorites. I wish there was an option to have them printed up into a book. The talent at this website is amazing.
Message edited by author 2014-12-21 23:21:16. |
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12/21/2014 11:21:16 PM · #5 |
It's art, when it works it works. If it's what you envisioned and you still like the idea when it becomes a reality, awesome.
For mass appeal, there are loads of rules and I couldn't begin to tell you all or most of them.
For appealing to other photographers, you're at the mercy of what they have seen too much of being voted down, or their mood or how well they think they would have pulled off the same shot.
Roll the dice.
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12/22/2014 12:22:53 AM · #6 |
A lot of the "rules" of portraiture were inherited from the painters as far as light and composition are concerned, but rules are meant to be broken. Take the difference in style of Karsh compared to David Bailey or Patrick litchfield for example. it is about bringing out the
inner being and personality of your subject. |
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12/22/2014 08:43:22 AM · #7 |
it depends on the purpose of the picture. if you are cropping tight you are focusing on some aspect of the face, eyes, mouth, etc. for some reason, art or whatever. if its a standard headshot you dont want to crop of any part of the head.
Message edited by author 2014-12-22 08:48:41. |
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12/22/2014 09:01:14 AM · #8 |
| Pablo Picasso once said, "learn the rules like a pro so you can break them as an artist". |
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12/22/2014 10:38:00 AM · #9 |
| The only "rule" I try follow is no cropping below a joint (e.g. elbow or knee). Otherwise, I do what looks good to me. |
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12/22/2014 10:40:09 AM · #10 |
| if the photo is interesting, people don't care about the rules of photography. Make an image that people want to see. |
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12/22/2014 11:32:38 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by RyanW:
if the photo is interesting, people don't care about the rules of photography. Make an image that people want to see. |
true. the rules arent really rules, rule of thirds, cropping below joints, eye contact, etc... the rules are basically tried and true composition methods that allow in most cases a more pleasing image for the viewer.
example, for many landscape shots, placing the horizon on the lower or upper third will will create a more interesting image than having it dead center since the focus is either of the sky or the landscape, one in most cases should dominate the frame however a pleasing composition can be had with a dead center horizon provided both the sky and landscape are equally interesting.
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12/22/2014 02:54:59 PM · #12 |
| Vertical dimension longer than the horizontal? ;-) |
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12/22/2014 04:37:44 PM · #13 |
Getting the " Best Side " of your subject will enhance their looks !!!!! The Scarlet Manuka strikes again!!
Message edited by author 2014-12-22 16:38:59. |
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12/22/2014 06:20:12 PM · #14 |
I read all these comments and say okay, good to go with current idea. Then I read comments on shots (on-site) I think come close to the same type of interpretation and all I see is comments about this or that being cropped out/cut off. I look at shots found in general image searches (off-site) and see that there really is no rule. I am so confused.
ETA: Thanks for the feedback.
Message edited by author 2014-12-22 18:21:11. |
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12/22/2014 06:49:04 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by CEJ:
I read all these comments and say okay, good to go with current idea. Then I read comments on shots (on-site) I think come close to the same type of interpretation and all I see is comments about this or that being cropped out/cut off. I look at shots found in general image searches (off-site) and see that there really is no rule. I am so confused.
ETA: Thanks for the feedback. |
no there are no rules, only guidelines that help make the images more appealing to the viewer, however YMMV. |
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12/23/2014 08:46:31 AM · #16 |
Honestly, you and I can setup a camera with two cards in it, duplicate the output to both cards, each take it away and process it separately with the only rule of "no cropping" and have hugely different scores based on the presentation of the image.
make sure that above all else, if you want to score highly here or have a wide audience enjoy your work outside of the site, have your image be as engaging as possible - the more time people want to spend looking at your image, the more renown you will receive, and/or the higher the score would be for the image on a site like this.
As you've said, a lot of images throw the composition "rules" out the window and are beloved - but it's because they engage the viewer, they demand attention and they refuse to let it go once they have it.
That takes a carefully trained eye, an innate genius, or some truly dumb luck to achieve, and none of it happens without the effort (even the genius needs to get off his butt and make it happen) |
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