Help with which crop?

[David Eckels]

I cropped way into one of my dune shots, but the more I looked at it I realized that although I was "in the right spot" I  was not sure whether the shadows and structures on the ROF were distracting. Maybe fresh eyes could help, please!

[RSL]

Hi David, What does the original look like?

[David Eckels]

Attached Russ. As I said, I was cropping way in on purpose and that is after a 300 mm reach! Original attached.

[RSL]

Love the original. To answer your basic question I'd say: "neither!"

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I vote for the second crop, which feels balanced and complete, to me.

But I'm pretty sure Russ would prefer the big scene in your other thread, which I assume is the original (I haven't gone back to it to check).

To me it seems as if you got three great images on that one evening: The dangerous stop on the way, the big sunset scene in the other thread today, and this "picture within a picture." A pretty good day's work.

Eric

P.S. Russ is reliably consistent.   

[David Eckels]

To me it seems as if you got three great images on that one evening

P.S. Russ is reliably consistent.   

I feel the same way (on both counts!), Eric.

"neither!"

Russ, I just KNEW you were going to say that!

[brandtb]

I think the second one is the better David

[Diego Pigozzo]

I cropped way into one of my dune shots, but the more I looked at it I realized that although I was "in the right spot" I  was not sure whether the shadows and structures on the ROF were distracting. Maybe fresh eyes could help, please!

I do strongly prefer the first crop, probably because the dark "triangle" of shadow and the more "center-ness" of the main S helps keep my eyes on the shot.
The second crop, instead, is more prone to let my eyes to follow the S to the right and outside the frame.

[francois]

I vote for the second one, it is simpler and stronger graphically speaking.

[BobDavid]

Second crop--it doesn't feel cramped.

[stamper]

I do strongly prefer the first crop, probably because the dark "triangle" of shadow and the more "center-ness" of the main S helps keep my eyes on the shot.
The second crop, instead, is more prone to let my eyes to follow the S to the right and outside the frame.

I am in agreement with this.

[David Eckels]

Thanks for the suggestions.
I tried a square crop, mindful of Russ' comments on squares and a book that Brandt shared with me. I think it captures or emphasizes the mood that I am after better. Incidentally, this was a picture that I saw TTL and pre-visualized going after it in post. I couldn't do it in camera without a 1000 mm canon and a square format camera
I will be curious to see what you have to say about this version, if anything.

[stamper]

I think the last one has too much cropped out and isn't as good as the previous ones. I am also bemused about cropping to ratios. Cropping for content is better imo.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I think the last one has too much cropped out and isn't as good as the previous ones. I am also bemused about cropping to ratios. Cropping for content is better imo.

I agree.

I prefer the second of your original crops. The square one feels a bit cramped and oversimplified to me.

[RSL]

The last one looks like the nose on an Easter Island statue on its back.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

The last one looks like the nose on an Easter Island statue on its back.

Aaargh!!!
Now I'll never be able to look at it without seeing that way.