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I am not a person who photographs people unless it's some type of action shot but I took a photo this weekend of someone in a long uniform coat facing me. The face is distinct. The man has a beard (part of it is grey), long scraggly hair, has a brown cigarette in his mouth, has granny type glasses down toward the bottom of his nose and is wearing a uniform hat. He's reaching inside an unbuttoned part of his uniform (mid-chest) presumably for something to light the cigarette. The other hand is grabbing his belt which has a long magenta tie around the belt that hangs to the bottom of the photo (right above the knee area). He's just standing (all movement is hands). There is nothing distinguishable behind him, just a light green background from out of focus trees. He was not posed by me or anyone else.
I plan to make the photo black and white or sepia.
Okay, I only told you all of that so you know everything going on is above or at the waist and that he has an untypical face. The bottom of the photo ends where the belt tie with tassels ends about knee length, the length of the coat.
My question is - Is it permissible to end the photo at knee length (You can't see his legs at all, just the closed coat and tie tassels)? I want to use the photo in a local contest. I never pay attention to portrait type photography guest speakers because I never pose people and now I'm nervous that I'll be called out for breaking some photography rule about being allowed to end a standing people photo only at the waist or feet.
Yup. That's what's known as a 3/4 portrait, Laura. Don't crop right at the knees, but somewhere along the thighs and you'll be fine. The general rule is don't crop directly on a joint. So under the knees works too, but generally it's not as good.
Yup. That's what's known as a 3/4 portrait, Laura. Don't crop right at the knees, but somewhere along the thighs and you'll be fine. The general rule is don't crop directly on a joint. So under the knees works too, but generally it's not as good.
Thanks so much. I can crop a bit higher than knee length and still get the dangling tassels in. You have been a big help. I appreciate it.
Additionally, if you might try placing the eyes in the upper third, if the composition allows it, and evaluate for the effect (versus otherwise).
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