Shooting to Crop Is More Than Okay in Street Photography (or Any Other Genre)
I wanted to share with you all today about how shooting for the crop has become an essential part of my street photography. Sometimes, certain scenes jump out at me, and I know the camera frame isn't going to be perfect. That's where cropping comes in.
Recently, I took a shot of a building with a motorcycle embedded in the upper floor. To capture the full essence of the scene, I needed a vertical shot at 24mm. Even with this, I had to crop in and break the ratio because the sign with the motorcycle to the left was pictured the same, and there was open space to the left of the building.
I know some photographers who really get bent out of shape when it comes to cropping. For some reason, especially in the street photography community, cropping is seen as something you don't want to do - sort of along the same lines as some faux purist perspective that out-of-the-camera is somehow superior to any other type of edited image because the image "was so good it didn't need to be edited."
Well, if you're shooting in JPEG, this may very well be the case. But if you've invested a few thousand bucks in your camera system and can shoot Raw AND YOU DON'T EDIT, then you're not getting even 10% of your camera's potential, and you may as well sell it all and shoot on your phone.
My point is that cropping is more than okay, and editing your images is essential. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Embrace your creativity and let your photos come to life!
Original uncropped, unedited image
Join Me in India, Europe, and Japan for One of My 3-Day Fine Art Street Photography Workshops in 2024
I am thrilled to invite you to join my upcoming 3-Day Fine Art Street Photography Workshop Series! This is an opportunity to join me on a journey of discovery through the vibrant streets of Mumbai and Goa, as well as several cities in Europe, and finally in Tokyo. With limited spaces available, each workshop will provide an immersive and personalized experience, allowing for a more meaningful exploration of the art of street photography.
During the workshops, I will share my expertise in fine art street photography, including techniques such as framing, composition, and lighting, among others. You will also have the opportunity to receive personalized feedback on your work and engage in group critiques and discussions through a series of Zoom calls after each workshop.
To ensure a personalized experience, each workshop will be limited to just five participants. Early bird bookings are available until June 1st, 2023, at the price of $1,299 per person. After that, the regular rate of $1,499 per person will be available until August 1st, which is the booking deadline.
Whether you choose to join me in India, Europe, or Tokyo, you can expect to capture the essence of each location in a unique and captivating way through the lens of your camera. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your street photography skills and join a community of like-minded individuals.
I look forward to embarking on this journey with you!
