Photo of the Week - Unexpected Images
A couple of weeks ago, I provided some examples of how cropping an image can improve its impact. This week it's time to discuss getting a new image by cropping.
Normally, I prefer to create an image in the camera. Something catches my eye and I compose and shoot to capture what I saw. If, while making that image something else occurs to me, I'll recompose for that and get that shot as well.
When processing an image, though, I'll occasionally see something unexpected. Something new and exciting.
Example 1: Wonderment
In the Shrub Rose Garden at the Arboretum, there is a statue titled "Wonderment". The first time I ever saw this statue, I captured the below image.
I really like the way the reflection is separate (colorwise) from the image. Then it occurred to me that the reflection would make an interesting image on its own. I cropped the reflection and flipped it so that it was right-side up in relation to the statue's placement. The texture caused by the rippling water makes it seem painted.
Example 2: Self-Portrait
My friend Sarah has a lot of reptiles. One day she allowed me to come over and shoot them [with a camera, obviously]. Here's an iguana I shot that day.
While processing the image, I noticed something strange in the eye. Enlarging it on the screen, I discovered myself. So, I cropped the eye, keeping all the texture and color (since they are interesting on their own). The result is a unique self-portrait.
