Cropping and Editing Snapshots
Occasionally I find some good shots hiding in everyday type snapshots that I have taken just for the fun of it. Most of the time I discover them by playing with the photographs in an image editor, just experimenting until I find something that really jumps off the page for me.
This is an original (sized for displaying on the web) snapshot that I really liked, but there was so much going on in the picture that it distracted the look I was going for. I wanted people to see the look of peace that I was seeing on Haley’s face, while she waited on these steps for me to catch up to her.
By cropping and editing snapshots, we can change the focus of what our eye is naturally drawn to within the shot. As you see above, I have removed a lot of the distractions, and brought the focus in on her, but it still wasn’t quite right for me. The shot was still missing something.
The key was cropping the image down to the expression on her face. This natural photograph above, happens to be my personal favorite.
Some folks prefer a warmer and softer look (glamour effect) for these types of pictures, as seen in the example above. I accomplished this just by using a few effects within Corel’s Paint Shop Pro Photo X2.
I like the more tradional classic approach of a basic black and white photograph, as long as it doesn’t lose the vivid personality in the eyes.
If you are going for a dramatic look you can add some clarifying effects and play around a bit with the shadows within the shot.
In the end it all comes down to experimenting until you find the effect that portrays the look you were going for.
Which effect do you like best for this snapshot?
Small Business Marketing Consultant and Scenic Photographer
Copyright © 2008 J. Walker of Mississippi Photo Gallery All Rights Reserved
February 17th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I love the traditional classic black and white although the color on shows the sparkle in her eyes. Beautiful young woman. Proud mamma.
February 17th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Cricket,
What effects in PSPx2 did you use to get the glamour effect? My fave is the natural look, but I’d like to play around with the glamour effect too. Haley is so photogenic, she’s the perfect subject!
~Amy Sue
February 17th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
@ Pat - I am a fan of black and white pictures so I am still experimenting with ways to keep that sparkle without color.
@ Amy Sue - Using the top menu, look under effects until you see photo effects, and then film and filters.
(effects > photo effects > film and filters)
The one you are referring uses warming and glamour to soften it.
February 17th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
[...] know there was no way I could leave that shot alone right? I am addicted to cropping and editing snapshots. It’s an affliction of [...]
February 19th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Haley is very beautiful, like her momma! All are gorgeous but my favorites are the natural and dramatic.