To Crop Or Not To Crop: That is The Question

Wow Gary... that's a delicious shot either way,
Great exposure and wonderful detail.

Print them both... 16x20 and 12x18 respectively. Then when you decide, you can sell one and hang the other.

Kenn

I like both but I'd go with cropped as well.

I would also vote for the cropped version, Since the whole Bird is not included in the shot. Its a spectacular Portrait of this Incredible species with wonderful light depicting its colors nicely... One I would surely print.

Your blessed to have gotten that close, today they stayed out 120 feet or better all day....

Great shooting!!! Dan

Gary, you just need a shorter lens for these pet ducks...heh..heh. The crop works fine! Nice sharp colorful image. Well done!

I prefer the uncropped because the reflection adds to the overall finish of the image, IMO.

Hey Gary, I'm gonna go with the uncropped version. The very cool water ring in lower right corner adds so much more to the image IMO. BTW I love how you got the irridesence on the green stripe!!

"Six of one, half dozen of another"... they are both excellent images worthy of the printer... nice work Gary.

db

I like both of them and they each have their own merits. The uncropped shows more of the water and reflection which adds interest. The cropped version is more intimate and shows added detail which holds up quite well from your photo.

Uncropped is actually sharper.

The uncropped is a better composition imo. But both are very nice.

Cropped version for me.

CanaHolic wrote in post #9039487
I would also vote for the cropped version, Since the whole Bird is not included in the shot. Its a spectacular Portrait of this Incredible species with wonderful light depicting its colors nicely... One I would surely print.

Your blessed to have gotten that close, today they stayed out 120 feet or better all day....

Great shooting!!! Dan

Thanks Dan and believe me this is very unusual to have these birds come in close like this.There are now 3 males( if they haven't left yet) and in other years you can't get within shooting distance unless you have an 800mm and converter(s). I sat down near the waters edge and 2 of the 3 ended up swimming over as if I wasn't there When those instances happen you just have to take advantage.

A big thanks you to everyone who took the time to provide the great feedback...It tells me that my own personal questions regarding the composition(s) are shared by many others. I see the balance now between water/environment and bird and how that comnnects with some people, how others ( I am probably in this group) see the close up as the best result from a shot that does not include the whole bird. I think I will check a few other options that might include a little of both....perhaps less of a crop to allow more water action and balance the image a little more between what is below and above the bird. Thanks again to everyone...very much appreciated