I was drawn to this image of a Boxer in the forest because I thought the setting was peaceful and contemplative. (I also have an affinity for floppy-eared Boxers because we have had several in the family.) Although the original image is impactful – the lighting focuses on the dog and the darker edges give good contrast and a sense of the space around the dog – I felt like it could benefit from some improvements. In the cropped version, I decentered the dog and placed more focus on him rather than the scene around him. It made sense to place him in the left lower quadrant to bring attention to the direction of his gaze. This placement also removed much of the foreground, which simplified the image and brought the dog closer. Although much of the forest is removed, one still gets a sense of the setting.
Angela,
Just like you, I am attracted to “floppy-eared Boxers.” But let me tell you, I recognized outstanding cropping, and you just make the image so powerful that I prefer the new version to the original anytime. As nostalgic the boxer looks in the original picture, with the adjustment, you can see a beautiful gaze and muscle definition as these gorgeous animals possess. I am sorry, but there is no more to say. Excellent work ma’am.
/r
Alex Palma
I love how strikingly different these two images are next to one another! The original, despite the adorable puppy, is a very dark and somewhat somber looking thing. But your crop in on the dog immediately strikes me as warmer and more laid back in comparison.
It’s also pretty well composed. I think my one major critique is I would arguably move the ‘frame’ a little higher. I can still see some of the leaves from the foreground which feels a little odd in the newer composition. And the greater space of trees above I think would help emphasize the forest setting just a little bit more.