always the artist

On framing a photograph…

This photo comes from the Akris Pre-Fall 2012 advertising campaign shot by photographer Karim Saldi. I know I tend to be very critical of photography (as wells as graphic design), and there are other images in the series that are lovely (see bottom two images), but this one irritates the sanity out of me because of the imperfection of the crop on the top side. I just do not understand how such crucial image details get overlooked by some of the top creative minds. I was always taught to make whatever you do appear intentional. This crop looks so clumsy and it took me maybe 10 seconds to fix:

I see this sort of haphazard almost perfect shot now and again and perhaps I’d seen just one too many this week -it’s Monday night, mind you- and it sent me on a rant. I always want to rally for better imagery in all visual communications -photography, fashion, art, design, etc. The little details make all the difference in balance and perception.

Framing and crop are one of the first things you learn about photography in school and you may think, anyone can frame a photograph. More or less, yes. It is all part of composing the image, but being conscious what you include in the frame requires scrutiny and deliberation, as well as instantly decisive actions. Mostly it comes with experience and love for your work. However, I do believe that the fact of the matter is, digital photography has changed the way that people shoot. In any case, I don’t understand how this kind of crop turns up in professional presentations. It seems careless on account of not only the photographer, but also the photo editor, the creative director, and everyone involved in the production. Disclaimer: This is not to say that every photograph I shoot is perfect nor that I have hard feelings towards Karim Saldi or Akris in particular. I am only expressing a frustration towards what seems to be lack of concern in general for achieving all around optimal visuals based on the execution of fundamentals.