Cropping feedback

[Clovishound]

This image spoke to me when I first edited it. I tried a number of different cropping scenarios, and this is what felt the best to me.

My wife and the Pup tell me that they think it looks better with a heavier crop. To me it ruins the "mood" of the image. I know, it's my image, my vision for it is what really counts, but I do like to get input and different ideas, even if I ultimately decide to go with my initial gut feeling. I sometimes get a point of view that leads me to something different that I like better.

My reasoning for the first image is mainly the background. It has more of a cloud look that evokes a mood to me. The tighter crop still has a little of a cloud look, but doesn't really convey the same mood to me. The other thing is the "berries" at the far bottom right corner. They provide a little balance and interest to me. Unfortunately, they also necessitate moving the reed a little off the corner.

I didn't crop that much off the first image, so there isn't a whole lot of wiggle room for moving things around without cropping tighter like the second one.

Input appreciated.

 

[Robin W]

Actually, I like it both ways. I like the berries but would have preferred them a little closer to the dragonfly, but dragonflies don't always accommodate our artistic style. I may have cropped in a little closer just to move him to the right side of the photo so it would give you a feel for what he is looking at, for or whatever, but that is just my opinion. The background is really nice and does give it a certain mood. Well done.

 

[Browncoat]

I like the first crop.

Although, I'd go a little tighter and remove the berries in bottom right corner. I get what you're saying about balance and interest, but for me, they're a distraction. If the crop allows, I'd also shift a little bit and you'd be lined up for a strong Rule of Thirds composition. Forgive my quick edit below:

 

[Silversnapper]

I prefer the first image as I sense an air of menace, as though some unfortunate critter is soon to meet its doom.

 

[Clovishound]

I thought about moving the DF to the right and getting it on the righthand thirds line, but It really seemed out of balance to me.

 

[BF Hammer]

All the edits here are fine. I just will throw in the portrait edit for possible consideration. It does loose some of the stem context.

 

[nikonpup]

MY VERSION DRAGONFLY IS THE CENTER OF FOCUS, AND I LIKE THE STEM/BRANCH TO COME FROM A CORNER,
IS VERSION 8.4 THE LATEST SOFTWARE FOR THE LIGHTROOM U R USING?

 

[Clovishound]

Yes, 8.4.

 

[Woodyg3]

Dealing with a lot of negative space can make decisions hard. Of the options by you and others, I prefer the original and Pup's. Without a lot of analysis, Id just say those are the most pleasing to my eyes.

 

[Clovishound]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I do enjoy getting different perspectives. In this case, I think I will go with my initial impressions, with my wife and the Pup's running a not so close second.

 

[Silversnapper]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I do enjoy getting different perspectives. In this case, I think I will go with my initial impressions, with my wife and the Pup's running a not so close second.