| We're all familiar with the cropping tool in | | | | than to have to crop it out later. |
| our digital image editing program. | | | | |
| Unfortunately, it is one of the most widely | | | | - Are there objects in the background that |
| used editing software tools, mainly | | | | could provide an attractive backdrop to |
| because it's easy to forget to frame pictures | | | | your image? Is there something in the |
| before snapping the shutter. Yes, it is | | | | background that can provide a natural |
| fairly simple to crop images to get rid of | | | | frame for your picture, such as an attractive |
| ugly background extras like empty water | | | | doorway or staircase? |
| bottles and focus only on the part we want. | | | | |
| Or sometimes we do some heavy-duty | | | | - When photographing people with scenery or |
| cropping to zero-in on a subject's face. But | | | | buildings/monuments in the background, |
| if you are planning on printing your photos | | | | the foreground should be minimized. Try to |
| or enlarging them, you'll get a sharper end | | | | focus fairly close up on your subjects |
| result if you to do a little pre-planning and | | | | so they don't look like tiny ants in front of |
| properly frame your shot. | | | | a giant building-unless you are |
| | | | attempting to show how big something is in |
| Whenever you crop your photo, you limit the | | | | comparison to the people. |
| size you can print your image without it | | | | |
| looking fuzzy or jagged. If you have a high | | | | - Landscape photos benefit from showing more |
| mega-pixel camera and shoot on high | | | | of the foreground in order to provide a |
| resolution, or only plan to show your photos | | | | better perspective. |
| online or in a digital slide show, it is | | | | |
| not as big of an issue. However, by properly | | | | - Keep the horizon above the center line of |
| framing your shots in the first place you | | | | the photo to enhance the composition. |
| will have greater flexibility in what you can | | | | |
| do with your photos and you won't have to | | | | - When photographing landscape, placing an |
| spend so much time cropping your images. | | | | object in the foreground can greatly |
| | | | enhance the image. It can be interesting to |
| Here are some tips on how to properly frame | | | | focus on an object in the foreground |
| your pictures: | | | | and let the background blur, or try the |
| | | | reverse: focus on the background and |
| - Take a minute to compose your shot and see | | | | let a foreground object blur. |
| what's in the background before you | | | | |
| have people get into position. Then you won't | | | | By keeping these tips in mind, you'll find |
| have to rush to get your shot when your | | | | you'll use your cropping tool much less, |
| subjects get restless. | | | | you'll keep your printed image sharp, and |
| | | | you'll increase your creative options - |
| - Check out what's in the background on the | | | | from making enlarged prints and posters to |
| left and right sides of your subject. | | | | calendars, and even blankets and pillows |
| Is there a trash can or telephone pole in the | | | | with your favorite pictures. |
| way? Better to adjust your shot now | | | | |