For this assignment, I created a derivative image by cropping an original photo that I took of my dog. The original image included extra background space and distracting elements that competed with her. In the cropped version, I used the Rule of Thirds by positioning her on the right third of the frame and keeping the birthday gift bag on the left third, creating a more balanced composition. The tighter crop also simplifies the background and strengthens the focal point, drawing attention to her expression and the birthday girl theme.
Original image: Birthday Girl (Original) by Viviana Mendiola, original photo (personal photo).
Derivative image: Birthday Girl Spotlight (Derivative) by Viviana Mendiola, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
Resource: Cropping Photos Guide