Help with Crop and PP

[tlbradford]

I posted this on FM for some help, but we have some talented guys on here so if you are bored and want to help, I would appreciate it.

How would you crop or process any of the attached images to give it the best effect.  I know it is a popular image, but my brain is fuzzy on how it is normally presented.  Thanks in advance.

[huntnphool]

Hands

(click image to see sharpest version) Watch the hands pop!

[tlbradford]

Thanks Rob.  It looks great. 

Can you tell me what you did so I can see your approach with this particular photo?

[huntnphool]

Cropped out a lot of the background to put more emphasis on the hands, but left enough to put into perspective the relationship of the two. This makes for less distractions and focuses the attention on the subject, then sharpened the hands a little to attract the eye immediatly.

[boneaddict]

Exactly...they guys butt needs to be at least all but just a third or more gone.  center on the hands and exactly as Rob said.

[tlbradford]

Great, thanks for sharing.  I'll adjust the raw file in this manner and send it out for prints.  Thanks again for taking the time to play with the photo.

[huntnphool]

Just remember that most places will crop your crop and you will not end up with the pic you are hoping for. You need to find a place that will print your exact file, costco, Wallmart, Walgreens etc will not do this, just an FYI.

[boneaddict]

I've done ok with Costco via online submission versus taking it in.   Not sure what is different, but ......

[huntnphool]

For instance, the pic I posted above is 900X375. Most of those places dont have the ability to make that exact size so they will crop it to 4x6, 5x7, 8x10 ect. the problem is to fit that pic in one of those pre determend sizes they will cut the guys butt completely off and the little girl, all you would end up with are the arms. Same with your uncropped pics, lets use 5x7 for example. You take a picture and have it printed, the original is more along the lines of a 5X8 therefor when you get the printed version they have cropped off a half inch on each side to make it fit their format, its difficult to find places that will print in the exact dimensions you want, and when you do find it your going to pay more.

[DAVE460]

But in that wide format you could place it on a white layer in Photoshop say 12x18 (Costco size). Then place the picture accross the middle with the white showing top and bottom. When you get home you can cut it down to the original picture, or take the whole thing to a frame shop and tell them to cut it down and matt it.

[tlbradford]

On second thought I am just going to give them a disc.   

[boneaddict]