Cropping and resizing images are two essential skills for any photographer, whether you shoot with a DSLR, a smartphone, or a point-and-shoot camera. In this article, you will learn why these skills are important, how they affect the quality and composition of your photos, and what tools and techniques you can use to crop and resize your images effectively.
Cropping is the process of cutting out unwanted parts of an image, such as distracting backgrounds, irrelevant objects, or excess space. Cropping can help you improve the focus, balance, and visual impact of your photos by removing unnecessary elements and highlighting the main subject. Cropping can also help you adjust the aspect ratio of your images, which is the ratio of the width to the height. Different aspect ratios can suit different purposes, such as printing, web design, or social media.
I have a steadfast belief in getting the shot right in-camera, a preference deeply rooted in my beginnings with 35mm film and darkroom precision. To me, meticulous focusing and framing are vital; they are the soul of the photograph, and I'd rather invest time perfecting these at the moment than resort to cropping later. Cropping, in my view, is a last resort a concession only made when absolutely necessary. This traditional approach isn't just about technique; it's about honoring the authenticity and integrity of the captured moment.
A short answer to this question is simply to get rid of distracting elements that does not add to the story you’re trying to convey visually.
Cropping can help drawing focus on the main subject, but cutting out the less important stuff, in the frame. It should be done considering the look room.
In my experience in the editorial/ photojournalism field, a carefully cropped image can tell a different story than an image with cluttered distracting background…
With every image I take, I want to focus the eye of the viewer to the subject and story I want to convey by keeping the critical and losing the clutter. Preferably, this can be done in camera to maintain the integrity and resolution of the image. Post-production cropping can be helpful when that couldn't be achieved and/or when outputs to different media formats is necessary.
Resizing is the process of changing the dimensions of an image, either by increasing or decreasing its pixel count. Pixels are the tiny dots that make up an image, and the more pixels an image has, the higher its resolution and quality. Resizing can help you optimize your images for different platforms and devices, such as websites, blogs, or mobile phones. Resizing can also help you reduce the file size of your images, which can save storage space and improve loading speed.
Agreed on the resizing for Social Media applications. I most of the time do an 8x10 size at 300 dpi, then let social media do the rest upon posting the pic or composite…
There are so many reasons to resize. If you shoot Raw, and you should, then a jpg is likely to be around half the size of your Raw file. That is still too big for pretty much anything except printing. Most social media sites limit the size of an image they will accept. 5mb is a common limit though some limit to under 2mb. So for web use you need to get that image size down unless you are using a mobile phone on auto mode. There are now probably billions of images online and they all take up space and slow things down. So if you are posting images online make them as small as you can which will also make them load faster for your viewers
Cameras today capture extremely large files. Most of the time the full-size image is not needed and can cause the end user some issues as they might not know how to resize the image. I can barely send 5 images to photography clients via Gmail these days so I make sure an resize images to a minimal consumption size or ask where they will be used to best send them a resized image that fits their needs.
Resizing and image means changing it's width and height pixel number. It can increase or decrease its number, and when increasing you must be aware that the software will guess which pixels suits the best and the results can be disappointing sometimes. Resizing (decreasing image resolution) is often used in images for web and social media use because of the platforms' and screens' own limitations - there's no need in uploading a full resolution image to a website when the website will itself resize it.
Resizing in photography involves altering the dimensions of an image, changing its width and height. This adjustment can be done for various purposes, such as adapting the photo for specific display requirements, printing sizes, or online platforms. Resizing is crucial to maintain image quality and optimize file size. Enlarging an image beyond its original size may lead to pixelation and loss of sharpness, while reducing its dimensions may sacrifice detail. Resizing is often performed during post-processing using software like Adobe Photoshop, ensuring the image fits the intended purpose without compromising visual integrity. Resizing allows photographers to tailor their images for optimal presentation and distribution.
There are many tools and software that you can use to crop and resize your images, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, GIMP, or online editors. Depending on the tool you choose, the steps and options may vary, but the basic principles are similar. To crop an image, you need to select the area that you want to keep and delete the rest. To resize an image, you need to enter the desired width and height, or the percentage of change, and apply the changes. Some tools may also allow you to adjust the quality and compression settings of your images.
The main thing I have to say here about cropping is always always always rename your file when cropping. Do not risk overwriting your original image unless you also have the Raw version. Even safer is create a copy of your image before cropping then crop that one.
To crop and resize images, use photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or free alternatives like GIMP or online tools such as Canva. For cropping, open the image, select the cropping tool, drag to choose the desired area, and confirm. To resize, find the "Image Size" or "Resize" option, enter new dimensions, and maintain aspect ratio for balanced proportions. For online tools, upload the image, use cropping and resizing features, and save/download the modified file. Always consider the final use and resolution to preserve image quality during these adjustments.
In my experience, cropping is something that can be done during post production of your image. I always shoot all my images RAW and then crop after I have finished fine tuning my image. I crop if I feel the image needs to be more centered or if its too centered and I want to create more drama to the image. As we grow with photography we may go back and edit or change up an image. Your personal style may change how you crop and mood effects this as well. So always have a backup and come back to an image a couple days later, you may want to change something up! Resizing can be used to help for printing purposes. Check your image in different print sizes to make sure everything you want included is within the range of the print.
Cropping and resizing images can have a major impact on the look and performance of your photos, so it's essential to follow some best practices to prevent common issues and errors. Before cropping an image, consider what you want to accomplish and the message you want to communicate. Crop intentionally and avoid excessive cropping that could destroy the original image. When resizing, be mindful of the quality and sharpness, particularly if enlarging beyond the original resolution. To minimize pixelation and blurriness, resize proportionally and use high-quality images as your source. Additionally, you can use tools with smart resizing features like Photoshop's Content-Aware Scale to preserve important parts of your image while resizing. Lastly, select the right format for your needs; for example, JPEG can compress images well, but may result in some loss of quality, while PNG can maintain quality and transparency but may produce larger file sizes. In any case, save your images in the highest quality possible.
If you are cropping and resizing an image for printing save it at 100% in the resolution section but if it is for the web go for about 80% or less. We don't need high res on the web and some sites like FB also downsize your images so check them after uploading to make sure they still look good. If your cropping program allows you to display a grid breaking the image up into nine sections you can try to use the rule of thirds but don't feel you have to as sometimes it is better to go with your gut feeling.
When cropping and resizing it's key to rename the image so the end user know what is what and can keep track of the different size images.
The most important aspect when cropping and resizing an image is to know where you want it to be seen. For web and social media, consider the platform maximum resolution and crop accordingly. On the other way, if you want the image to be printed you should resize it considering the dimensions of the paper and the printer resolution (ppi) it is going to be printed in.
The best reasons for cropping are to reduce distraction in an image and to further storytelling. You might take a photo and on reflection, notice a more compelling story being told if you focus the audiences attention closer.
Cropping and resizing images are important skills in photography that can help you enhance the aesthetic and technical aspects of your photos. You can improve the composition and storytelling of your images by eliminating distractions and focusing on the main subject. Additionally, cropping and resizing can help you adapt your photos to different platforms and purposes by changing the aspect ratio and dimensions. Furthermore, you can optimize your photos for web and mobile use by reducing the file size and improving loading speed. Lastly, resizing proportionally and saving in the right format will help maintain the quality and resolution of your photos. While these tasks may not be difficult, they do require practice and attention to detail. Mastering these skills can take your photography to the next level, allowing you to create stunning, professional-looking photos.
Cropping or resizing images is sometimes essential, especially when tailoring visuals for specific platforms or purposes where composition and focus can greatly impact the message and aesthetic. It allows photographers to place emphasis on particular elements, enhancing storytelling or adapting to varying aspect ratios. However, I maintain that such alterations should be considered carefully and sparingly, preserving the original intent and integrity of the image whenever possible. Ultimately, the decision to crop should be driven by a clear, deliberate purpose, not just convenience.
Cuando trabajas en publicidad los creativos suelen pedir siempre "aire" en las fotos, por si en la edición quieren hacer una foto más alargada o más cuadrada, por eso cuando la editas has de recortar para acabar de encuadrar. Además si has disparado a mano es posible que tengas que enderezar. Por último, has de entregar las fotos a un tama?o que sea el adecuado, siempre se dispara a unos tama?os de imagen muy grandes, pero por ejemplo si entregamos un reportaje, no podemos enviar 30 Gb de imágenes al cliente porque se va a saturar. Siempre el tama?o ha de ir adecuado al medio, si va a social media hemos de ajustar a un tama?o peque?o, si va a impresión necesitamos un tama?o grande.
They allow photographers to refine composition, adapt images for various purposes such for use in social media (vertical) and or banners (horizontal). Also it is used to highlight or frame a subject.
Cropping and resizing in photography are crucial elements that can significantly impact the composition of an image and elevate emotional resonance when executed thoughtfully. One of my favorite photographers, Ansel Adams, used cropping in "Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico" to intensify contrast and highlight the moon. Based on my experience, strategic cropping and resizing can transform mundane shots into compelling compositions, adding creativity and depth. In essence, cropping's power lies in reshaping perception and emphasizing emotions. It's a transformative tool that’s often overlooked, but when done right can enable compelling visual narratives.
On peut faire dire deux choses complètement différentes avec un recadrage. Ou on peut mettre en avant un détail quand on fait un agrandissement. La lecture de la photo se trouve transformée.
I always shoot a bit wider and crop in post - it gives me more flexibility, I can offer more variants to my clients, and I find it more effective to look at the image on a large monitor and adjust vs. deciding when I'm looking into the viewfinder, or even when shooting tethered. I also shoot with a 45MP camera, so there are plenty of pixels.
"Fix it in post" is the first thing I want to delete from my students' minds! Yes, I love sharpening an image and these skills are important. But experience and practice will save a lot of tears.
Make sure you aren’t reducing the quality and size of the image when you’re cropping. Too dramatic a crop can mean your image will look grainy and pixelated when blown up. It’s always best to get the framing right in camera.
All rules on cropping and resizing are really just guidelines. In most cases there is value in them but you are an artist and artists must go their own way too. If that means not following the "rules" for you then don't let anyone push you into doing things their way instead of your way. The internet is full of armchair critics who will blast you for editing a photo in any way. Do not ever let them steal your mojo. Just remember most online critics are critics because it is easier to criticize than it is to do and many of them may be incapable of taking a good photo. A true critic will give positive feedback and be helpful but even that is still "their opinion".
In photography, cropping and resizing are important for several reasons. Cropping helps in framing the subject better, removing distractions, and changing the image's aspect ratio to fit specific formats or compositions. Resizing is crucial for optimizing images for different platforms, ensuring they load quickly and display correctly on websites, social media, or print. Proper cropping and resizing maintain image quality and composition integrity. They also help in focusing on the photograph's main subject, enhancing its storytelling power. Understanding the principles of composition, such as the rule of thirds, can guide effective cropping. Resizing should be done considering the final output medium to retain sharpness and clarity.