How Cropping Made My Ponte Vecchio Photo 5X Better (And Why You Should Ditch 3:2)

Cropping isn't just a technical adjustment; it's the final, critical step in the artistic act of composition. As seen in the comparison below, skillful cropping can transform a good image into a truly great one.

When comparing the original (full frame) and the tighter, compositionally focused version of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the difference is night and day. Whilst I love the beautiful light and subject matter of the first image, the cropped image possesses much more impact and drama.

Too often, I (and many photographers) default to the 2:3 (or 3:2) ratio that the camera sensor provides. This tendency—a kind of mental safety blanket—limits our potential. We have to get beyond this mental block.

What should be paramount in our minds? Is it the file shape? No. What is most important is the finished image: the refined composition, the visual impact, the emotional feel, and the clear story being told.