1. Photo Cropping

2. STEP 1 - LEARN
Today, you will learn to look at an image for ways it can be transformed through cropping.

3. PHOTO CROPPING Photo cropping allows you to make a photo better.
Cropping a photo means you are cutting out edges of a photo to allow the viewer’s eye to focus on a more impactful element of the photo.
Sometimes you are cropping of the edges to eliminate distractions.
Sometimes you are moving the CVI (Center of Visual Interest) so that the photo has better eye-flow.
Sometimes where you crop a photo is determined by the story you want to tell.

4. ELIMINATING DISTRACTIONS
Consider this photo. The subjects in the right of the photo are distracting to the main subject: the gal in the center of the photo.
Before
After
Anne Sutton, Windsor High School [CO]

5. GETTING CLOSER TO THE ACTION
Consider the Rule of Thirds or close up when cropping an image. Description of Rule of Thirds on the next slide.
Before
After
Anne Sutton, Windsor High School [CO]

6. RULE OF THIRDS Anne Sutton, Windsor High School [CO]
Visually divide the photo in thirds horizontally and vertically. The Center of Interest should land on or near the intersection of two of those lines.
Anne Sutton, Windsor High School [CO]

7. Think about how the photo interacts with the shape of the photo box.
PROPORTIONS
The lighting and expression in this photo are beautiful, and that makes up for a lot. However, the photo simply is not as powerful when we try to force it into a vertical photo box. Look at how much better the horizontal works. Sometimes it is best to zoom into faces, especially when there is a great reaction like this one, but in this case we get more of the story by also seeing the surroundings.
vs.
Think about how the photo interacts with the shape of the photo box.
Trevor Munch, Ward Melville High School [NY]

8. Consider how thoughtful cropping can help you tell the story.
STORYTELLING
The lighting and expression in this photo are beautiful, and that makes up for a lot. However, the photo simply is not as powerful when we try to force it into a vertical photo box. Look at how much better the horizontal works. Sometimes it is best to zoom into faces, especially when there is a great reaction like this one, but in this case we get more of the story by also seeing the surroundings.
vs.
Consider how thoughtful cropping can help you tell the story.
Taylor Lockhoof, James Bowie High School [TX]

9. CROPPING DO’S AND DON’TS
Look at the background. Does it tell a story or does it distract from the Center of Interest?
Avoid cropping at the neck.
Avoid placing the CVI in the middle of the photo.
Sometimes a great photo cannot be used because the shape of the photo box does not allow it. Other times the photo box needs to change shape to maximize the beauty of the photo. A rule of design is that form follows function, which in this case means that the form, or shape, of the photo box, should change depending on its function – the shape it needs to be to hold the photo.
Avoid cropping at joints
Laura Gilligan, Westlake High School [TX]

10. AHHH. THIS IS BETTER. Laura Gilligan, Westlake High School [TX]
The background adds to the story told by the photo, so we kept it..
Everyone has a head!
The CVI is placed using the Rule of Thirds.
Sometimes a great photo cannot be used because the shape of the photo box does not allow it. Other times the photo box needs to change shape to maximize the beauty of the photo. A rule of design is that form follows function, which in this case means that the form, or shape, of the photo box, should change depending on its function – the shape it needs to be to hold the photo.
Everyone has their ankles and other joints!
Laura Gilligan, Westlake High School [TX]

11. STEP 2 - PRACTICE
Look at the following photos. Where would you crop them?

12. HOW WOULD YOU CROP THIS PHOTO?
Ask the class what they need to consider when cropping.
Answers should include: background distractions (ref’s arm in foreground, ), background elements that add to the story (the ref and the other players), necks and other joints, the rule of thirds.
After
*look at how much different crops can change a photo
Before
Louis Voss

13. HOW WOULD YOU CROP THIS PHOTO?
Ask the class what they need to consider when cropping.
Answers should include: background distractions (other people in the background, food), background elements that add to the story (None. The background should be eliminated as much as possible so we can focus on the grad and her teacher), necks and other joints, the Rule of Thirds (In this case, since it is a basic “say cheese” photo, the Rule of Thirds does not need to be obeyed.
After
Before
Autumn Jones

14. Tell me… Olivia Seabaugh, Shawnee Mission East High School [KS]
In this photo the CVI is obvious. Why did the yearbook staffer choose to leave in the back of two students’ heads?
Potential Answers: The student in the foreground helps tell more of the story. The back of the head gives more explanation to the reaction on the CVI’s face because we can see that she is having a conversation with a female friend.
The student in the background was left in the photo mostly because there was not another option. 1. It is not ethical to remove someone from a photo. 2. It is important to the photo that we see the entire violin. 3. Cropping the photo at this location on the right-hand side puts the CVI’s face in the Rule of Thirds.
Olivia Seabaugh, Shawnee Mission East High School [KS]

15. STEP 3 - DO
As you create your layouts, pay close attention to the composition of the photos. Zoom in or out and crop as needed.
Photos can be cropped within YearTech Online or Adobe InDesign as you create your pages. We don’t recommend cropping photos before they are on your pages.
Keep in mind that most photos need at least a little cropping.