1. Use the Rule of Thirds
This is a simple photo composition rule that helps create dynamic tension between your subject and setting while also keeping them in harmony with each other. This effect is achieved by framing photos to bring the setting into greater prominence by moving your subject away from the center of your photo. Doing this helps force your audience to move their eyes through the entire composition and give it a fuller appreciation.

So, when cropping, ensure you consider how you can use the rule of thirds. In the example provided, the photo was cropped so that the butterfly would be positioned at the intersection of two lines that divided the photo into vertical and horizontal thirds.

2. Maintain Aspect Ratio
The standard aspect ratio for digital photos is 4x3, while the standard for 35mm film photos is 3x2. For best results, you should therefore concentrate on maintaining aspect ratio when cropping. This will ensure that you can continue to make standard size prints as well as keep people from wondering why your photo is an odd shape. Alternatively, many medium format photos are square, so cropping your photo into a square can be another possibility here.

3. Leave Space Around Edges
Based on simple artistic appeal and on the ability to do more with your photos, such as framing them, it is important to leave space around the edges. That is, do not place your subject, or other important object in your photo too close to the edge when cropping.

For example, if you have a nice full-body portrait of someone seated in front of a fountain in a public square, you will not want to crop right below their feet as this might mean cutting their feet out of the photo when you put it in a frame. Also, placing important elements too close to the edge when framing or cropping photos draws peoples eyes out of the photo and distracts their concentration.

Summary
The best way to bring these tips together is to open your photo in your favorite photo editor and make an initial crop selection by eye. Then, activate the rulers available in most editing programs, so you can double check your measurements. You can use imaginary lines to divide your photo into thirds, or place temporary lines over your selected area as below, to ensure everything is well lined up. (Click examples for larger versions.)

Copyright 2005 ACD Systems Ltd. All rights reserved. Article used under license by Ipswitch, Inc.