Coming a cropper - how much is too much? Part 1

[ucci]

Okay, maybe a "how long is a piece of string' question from a naive novice in these things. Are there any guidelines for cropping? Can one over crop to maximally focus attention on the core subject and in doing so 'lose the plot,' so to speak, thereby losing the intended impact?
With this I have posted two pictures with an insect on a flower. The intent was basically the insect with the flower as background. One which is heavily cropped has been sent in a second with this for comparison, mainly as I couldn't seem to get two pics to send in the one post. Sorry about that.
Anyway, I would be grateful for any comments or advice on this.
With thanks
ken
1

[ucci]

Coming a cropper part 2

Second image related to question posed in part 1.
Ken

[MiniChris]

The answer to your problem lies in the presentation of the problem If the intent of the photo is the insect with the flower in the background, then I need to see much less of the flower (or much less in focus) and much more of the insect, sharply focused. Over-enlarging is never a good answer to getting 'that" shot. Filling the frame is always the best solution. If you do not have a macro, then either buy extension tubes or closeup filters. You might also want ot shoot the insect at a slightly different angle as straight down is always harder to use and still keep a decent depth of field.

For #2, Ditto.

[jiro]

It wouldn't hurt if you place your main subject (the grasshopper?) on the focal points using the rule of thirds.

[Donald]

A couple of very clear and succinct amnswers, to which i have nothing to add.

But another perspective on the cropping questions is how much is it reasonable to do to make up for not getting you and your feet in the right place to get 'the shot' in the first place.

I know I've been in situations where I took the photograph I wanted, but then when processing saw a 'better' picture in the RAW file that was a much better composition. The question then is - if that requires a heavy crop, do I do that, or do I get myself back out there and re-shoot for the picture I've now 'seen'.

[ucci]

Thank you to those who replied and offered useful hints and helpful advice.
Ken

[jiro]

Ken, I played a little bit with your image and came up with this kind of cropping. I hope you don't mind. Just another possible way to crop your image.


image591EN by jiro bau, on Flickr

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Ken,

Can one over crop to maximally focus attention on the core subject and in doing so 'lose the plot,' so to speak, thereby losing the intended impact?

Yes, you can, speaking theoretically, rather than in reference to the "bug on a bloom" shots...

I would say an image is overcropped if;
you start cutting bits off it at the edges of frame
you end up with bits of it too close to the edge of the frame
you end up cropping so much that it too small and you don't need to downsize to get 700 px on longest side - this will likely reveal noise even at quite low ISOs

As others have said, having things too central is another thing to avoid if possible.

I like Jiro's take on the flower, here's mine on the bug;

[ucci]

Dave
Thanks for guidelines on cropping. And I rather like your 'take on the bug. ' It seems to give the insect more of a side on view, which ties in nicely with a previous comment made by Chris. Thank you.

[ucci]

Ken, I played a little bit with your image and came up with this kind of cropping. I hope you don't mind. Just another possible way to crop your image.


image591EN by jiro bau, on Flickr

Hi Jiro

No, I don't mind in the slightest. I like what you have done and found it most useful. I asked to learn and am grateful for feedback. Thank you
Ken