Which crop looks best?

[Gideon Jordaan]

I'd appreciate some advice on which you think is the best crop of this shot:
1.

http://www.overlandrover.net/IMG_1280_b_web.jpg
2.
http://www.overlandrover.net/IMG_1280_c_web.jpg

Thanks,
Gideon

[SoaringUSAEagle]

One

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Definitely the first one.

For one thing, the lack of the "dark" portion on the top of her head in the first crop makes the image appear brighter and more pleasing.

[airfrogusmc]

I'd even crop a little more to move the eyes to the top 1/3 or the frame. That would also get rid of the bright white long rectangular shape it the to right of the frame.

[Radtech1]

There is more going on than the crop. There is also a difference in tint an luminosity. I can't seperate the other changes from the crop. No apples to apples comparison to be done.

Rad

[Gideon Jordaan]

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it. Yes, I was playing with the tint, but did not think it would make a big difference when asking about the crop.

Thanks again,
Gideon

[Gamut]

I like the first best too, but would try and clone out her shirt in the bottom left corner.

[notapro]

I like the first, but I have a general preference for tighter crops...

[happybee]

#1 looks better.

[RX350]

1st . looks better.

[Bill Boehme]

The first one is better, but there is way too much overexposed area in the picture (background and shirt). The result is loss of subtle detail in the face.

[Usagi]

i like two

[airfrogusmc]

In my opinion heres the crop.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_1280_b_web2.jpg

[Gideon Jordaan]

In my opinion heres the crop.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_1280_b_web2.jpg

Yes, I see your point...

[Gideon Jordaan]

The first one is better, but there is way too much overexposed area in the picture (background and shirt). The result is loss of subtle detail in the face.

Hi Bill. Yes, I agree about the overexposure. In general, I think there are 2 reasons for this:

1. My monitor is too dark
2. Early on I was critisized in many of my shots for getting the WB wrong (again, could be the monitor) which I attributed too undersexposure. Especially the sclera of the eyes was deemed by many to be too gray in color. Since then I've found it difficult to balance between too much exposure and too little. But, I think fill flash would also assist in sorting this out. I really need to get a proper monitor and then calibrate it.

[bckane]

#1 does it for me

[airfrogusmc]

Yes, I see your point...

In portraiture you should treat the eyes like you would your the main subject in relationship to the frame. In allot of cases the rule of thirds can be the best solution. Place the eyes in one of those sweet spots.

[Gaunemo]

#1 is my pick!

http://webpages.charter.net/gaughan