To crop or not to crop. That is the question

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Archive 2011 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

rashley
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p.1 #1 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

A recent visit to Cottage Grove OR resulted in many interesting architectural shots. This one is of a turn of the last century bordello currently under extensive reno. Not sure which shot works best or if it works at all. Comments and corrections welcome. Posted the original for the curious.

2013 © rashley

Dec 18, 2011 at 11:09 PM

altopog
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p.1 #2 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

IMO, the cropped version doesn't work at all. I really like the PP on the 2nd picture though! Good catch.

Dec 18, 2011 at 11:16 PM

rashley
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p.1 #3 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Thanks Altopog.... It just seems to be missing something... I am not good at PP so I am at a lost to know how to give it whatever it needs.

Dec 18, 2011 at 11:22 PM

GeorgeM
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p.1 #4 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Why would you consider cropping this?

Dec 18, 2011 at 11:35 PM

AuntiPode
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p.1 #5 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Of the set, the full B & W (un-cropped) is best, but I wouldn't call it a strong image. Here's a PS adjustment set suggestion to improve the color version for your consideration (with the gray dropper of the curves layer clicked on gray patch of peeled sign paint to better capture the age and weathering of the sign):

2013 © AuntiPode

Dec 18, 2011 at 11:35 PM

rashley
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p.1 #6 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Thanks. Oddly, I traveled to Cottage Grove with Oregon Gal and we commented to one another how helpful your suggestions always are. Thanks so much. Rita

Dec 18, 2011 at 11:39 PM

AuntiPode
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p.1 #7 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

You are most welcome!

Dec 18, 2011 at 11:40 PM

sbeme

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p.1 #8 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

This is a shot that lends itself to many interpretations.
I like your toned version but the original crop is the best.
In these two I decided to straighten the sign and crop based on what's left. One could easily argue that some downward tilt to the sign makes sense, is more accurate and more dynamic.

In the first one, I applied a Bleach Bypass filter in Color Efex Pro to give it a more aged, washed out look. I added a bit of grain in LR, my primary program for processing.

Second re-work used highlight recovery, clarity and vibrance.

Scott

2013 © sbeme

Dec 19, 2011 at 12:14 AM

rashley
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p.1 #9 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Thanks S. The second one finally shows the punch I wanted. I don't have your tools, but it is good to see the results anyway. I guess I am fond of BW because it suits the era of the building... and the purpose. Building Noir...
I am annoyed at the blown out white clapboard which I can't fix. It is distracting to my eye, even in the BW.

Dec 19, 2011 at 12:18 AM

sbeme

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p.1 #10 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Rita,
What program do you use to process?
In LR, and I am sure in Photoshop, the blown out whites are recoverable.
Scott

Dec 19, 2011 at 12:23 AM

rashley
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p.1 #11 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

S. I have both and am proficient in neither. Thanks for the inspiration.

Dec 19, 2011 at 12:25 AM

sbeme

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p.1 #12 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

from LR

Scott

2013 © sbeme

Dec 19, 2011 at 12:38 AM

rashley
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p.1 #13 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Thanks, Scott. That's a real gift. I appreciate the tutoring.

Dec 19, 2011 at 12:39 AM

sbeme

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p.1 #14 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

My pleasure.

For the crop, I went to the crop tool, selected the ruler and clicked along the length of the bottom of the sign, making it horizontal. I checked to see if there was any more room to maximize what was left before accepting the crop.

Dec 19, 2011 at 12:40 AM

rashley
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p.1 #15 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Dec 19, 2011 at 01:29 AM

cgardner
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p.1 #16 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Notwithstanding the backstory I think the sign is the focal point and the building a distraction from it. What I did to make the sign a stronger focal point was crop as if it was hanging from the top right of the frame and blurred the building (a quick and dirty edit). The use of selective color is to hint at its more "colorful" past

Dec 19, 2011 at 01:34 AM

rashley
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p.1 #17 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Now THAT tells a story. What tool do you use for selective color?

Dec 19, 2011 at 01:36 AM

RustyBug

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p.1 #18 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Took a stab at it ... trying for a new pic of an old look.

Dec 19, 2011 at 01:39 AM

rashley
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p.1 #19 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

Very 'age appropriate' for the building. Thanks.

Dec 19, 2011 at 01:40 AM

cgardner
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p.1 #20 · To crop or not to crop. That is the question

rashley wrote:
Now THAT tells a story. What tool do you use for selective color?

This image is copyrighted by the owner

I just duped the layer, desaturated it with Hue/Saturation, adjusted it with Levels and masked out the sign by hand with selection tools and fill and brush. I boosted the saturation in the color layer.

Dec 19, 2011 at 12:39 PM

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