p.5 #1 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
Jaree wrote:
I am not into if then else scenarios, this aspect and that orientation, etc. And a stronger image for who and who decided the standard?
So you are not into trying to get the strongest composition rather you want to be tied to the arbitrary 3:2 aspect ratio that someone created because of some sensor manufacturing issues. This “if, then else” you talk about is all about seeing the image through different compositions and deciding on the strongest composition for your vision. If you are stuck seeing the world through a 3:2 view that’s ok…but don’t think because you don’t crop that you are getting the strongest composition.
p.5 #2 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
chiron wrote:
As you probably know, this sole crop (not really a crop in the sense in which the word is used in this thread) in HCB's repertoire occurred because the image was shot through an iron rail fence and the iron rail obscured one edge of the image. So, the black blurred obstruction of the iron rail along the left border was eliminated, as HCB planned to do in composing the shot. I don't think there is any real example of HCB cropping an image that was otherwise composed, which is quite remarkable considering how many of his images were made quickly....Show more →
The question that needs to be looked at is would some of his images be stronger with some cropping.
p.5 #3 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
If you look at some of the images Jaree has shared he does crop, so …
chez wrote:
So you are not into trying to get the strongest composition rather you want to be tied to the arbitrary 3:2 aspect ratio that someone created because of some sensor manufacturing issues. This “if, then else” you talk about is all about seeing the image through different compositions and deciding on the strongest composition for your vision. If you are stuck seeing the world through a 3:2 view that’s ok…but don’t think because you don’t crop that you are getting the strongest composition.
p.5 #5 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
Oskar Barnack decided to make a smaller more portable camera to turn movie film on its side and set the 35mm standard. There was no art council or people voting on what was best. I expect there was push back by art critics back then that 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, etc was better. Just like when color came about they said only true art is B&W...
I think this all got way off OP's thinking out loud question of will he lose too much quality cropping a prime over using a zoom lens to get more reach and carry less glass.
p.5 #8 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
chiron wrote:
As you probably know, this sole crop (not really a crop in the sense in which the word is used in this thread) in HCB's repertoire occurred because the image was shot through an iron rail fence and the iron rail obscured one edge of the image. So, the black blurred obstruction of the iron rail along the left border was eliminated, as HCB planned to do in composing the shot. I don't think there is any real example of HCB cropping an image that was otherwise composed, which is quite remarkable considering how many of his images were made quickly....Show more →
It is certainly a characteristic of his approach to avoid cropping. If I recall correctly his notion (related to his background in art) was that the miracle of the camera was that it could instantly capture fleeting moments in ways that painting could not.
But the fact that he cropped even one image in post in order to exclude distractions or produce a better composition argues pretty strongly against the sometimes-religious belief that cropping the original image is bad or a compromise or a shortcoming.
In any case, I’ll go back to what I wrote earlier: Cropping is an integral part of photography, and almost all photographers do it. If someone prefers to not crop, that’s fine by me. But when they start questioning the integrity of photographers who disagree, I’m not going along with that, nor would most photographers. (If they excluded all photographers who were open to cropping in post, they’d have to write off a whole lot of very fine photographers)
Aug 20, 2025 at 03:41 PM
AmbientMike Offline • • • • • • [X]
p.5 #9 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
Mr. Hypocrisy wrote:
It is certainly a characteristic of his approach to avoid cropping. If I recall correctly his notion (related to his background in art) was that the miracle of the camera was that it could instantly capture fleeting moments in ways that painting could not.
Pretty amazing the number of posts you make on the Sony board, GDan, as a non Sony shooter, after telling me, just yesterday, I'm not to post on the Fuji board. Since I dont shoot Fuji
p.5 #10 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
Lots of "you"s, nothing about "I"s. Maybe share what YOU do and stop worrying about how others shoot. If I need lessons in "strong" composition there are more things to worry about than cropping.
chez wrote:
So you are not into trying to get the strongest composition rather you want to be tied to the arbitrary 3:2 aspect ratio that someone created because of some sensor manufacturing issues. This “if, then else” you talk about is all about seeing the image through different compositions and deciding on the strongest composition for your vision. If you are stuck seeing the world through a 3:2 view that’s ok…but don’t think because you don’t crop that you are getting the strongest composition.
p.5 #12 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
You’re saying the Brain Trust showing up to argue about cropping as a theoretical practice ruined yet another thread, all while taking a dump on a new member along the way?
Well I never!
Driften wrote:
Oskar Barnack decided to make a smaller more portable camera to turn movie film on its side and set the 35mm standard. There was no art council or people voting on what was best. I expect there was push back by art critics back then that 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, etc was better. Just like when color came about they said only true art is B&W...
I think this all got way off OP's thinking out loud question of will he lose too much quality cropping a prime over using a zoom lens to get more reach and carry less glass.
p.5 #13 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
Jaree wrote:
Lots of "you"s, nothing about "I"s. Maybe share what YOU do and stop worrying about how others shoot. If I need lessons in "strong" composition there are more things to worry about than cropping.
Well first of all it appears like you do crop…so your statement about getting it right in the camera is just crap. Secondly…you were the one talking about no need for cropping as you shoot with a zoom and get the exact focal length for the ultimate composition. With such strong statements…maybe it’s you that needs to drop their shorts and show everyone your great work. I’ve posted plenty images throughout the years … have a gander if you like.
p.5 #14 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
Get off your high horse and realize you are no standard bearer for strong composition. I have no interest in your images. If I need inspiration there are other members here whose work I greatly admire.
chez wrote:
Well first of all it appears like you do crop…so your statement about getting it right in the camera is just crap. Secondly…you were the one talking about no need for cropping as you shoot with a zoom and get the exact focal length for the ultimate composition. With such strong statements…maybe it’s you that needs to drop their shorts and show everyone your great work. I’ve posted plenty images throughout the years … have a gander if you like.
p.5 #15 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
Jaree wrote:
Get off your high horse and realize you are no standard bearer for strong composition. I have no interest in your images. If I need inspiration there are other members here whose work I greatly admire.
Didn’t say I was. I think it was you that claimed you never crop as you get the optimal composition in camera using zoom lenses. You opened up the box…now you want to close it. Fine…I think we know where you stand.
p.5 #16 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
Again, a series of "you...you" and rants. "You" have been pontificating around on "strong composition" and aspect ratios and how other should shoot and see. Focus on improving your skills.
You can see my great work if you dig around.
chez wrote:
Didn’t say I was. I think it was you that claimed you never crop as you get the optimal composition in camera using zoom lenses. You opened up the box…now you want to close it. Fine…I think we know where you stand.
p.5 #20 · Thinking out loud: thoughts on cropping, zooms & primes
Giacomo Leopardi, one of Italy's most important poets, once wrote, "Everything is foolish in this world, except a foolish life. Everything is ridiculous, except laughing at anything and everything. Everything is vain, except beautiful deception and pleasurable trivialities."
What would he have said to the bitter debate about whether or not amateur photographers should be allowed to crop their digital image files?
"The pot calling the kettle black" 