Creative Photo Cropping

In the early days of scrapbooking, creative cropping was definitely the "in" thing to do. And often, we all took it way too far. I know that I personally created several scrapbook pages where every single photo was cropped into some sort of unique shape...a circle here, an oval there, a star, a heart, anything. It simply didn't matter whether or not it made sense within the layout. It was crop first, design later.

Eventually, most of us figured out that cropping every photo that way didn't always produce the most balanced pages. So we retreated into a corner and didn't creatively crop anything at all. Rectangles and squares were the new style of choice.

Well, it's 2006 and balance is finally here. Grab your scissors and punches, because creative cropping is back in a big way! The key is moderation. When it comes to using cropping techniques on your pages, make careful decisions and do what works best for your design. Let's take a look at a few popular techniques.

Silhouette

How to do it: Using a craft knife or micro-tip scissors, crop your photo directly around the edges of the subject. Eliminate all background elements so you are left simply with a tightly cut, freeform photograph of your subject itself. This is also a great technique to try digitally.

When to use it:

• To create impact when you want your focal point photo to stand head and shoulders above the rest.
  
  
• To eliminate distracting background elements from your photograph.
  
  
• To create contrast. Using a silhouette-cut image in black and white, and then adding color elements can create stunning effects.

When not to use it:

• If you have another silhouetted image on your page. While there are a few exceptions, generally one is enough.

Layout by Maureen Spell

Circles

How to do it: There are a number of ways to crop a photograph into a perfect circle. Cutting systems such as Coluzzle and Sizzix make this process fairly simple. Circle punches and circle cutters are additional options.

When to use it:

• When you want to create a fun and playful look on your page.
  
  
• To add contrast. When your page feels too linear or straight-line, a circle or two can break up the monotony and add interest.

When not to use it:

• When you want your page to have a serious tone. Circles automatically create a happy, playful feel. If you're creating a page about something more intense, circles probably aren't the way to go.

Layout by Sherrill Pierre

Fun and Unique Shapes

How to do it: Cropping your photographs into unique shapes can be a fun process. The possibilities are endless. You can crop photos into flowers, hearts, stars, just about anything. Try using a die-cut system for unique effects, or a cutting system such as Coluzzle.

When to use it:

• Sparingly! Pages with these types of shapes are hard to do well.
  
  
• When you've collaged or combined several photos together to create one larger shape.
  
  
• When the focus of your page and your journaling will be enhanced by the photo's design.
  
  
• When you want to use photographs to create a monogram or page title.

When not to use it:

• When your page's tone requires a more serious design.
  
  
• When you have more than one other creative crop on the page.

Layout by Allyson Bright

Creative cropping is simple and fun! When used effectively, you can create truly unique scrapbook pages that will be cherished for years to come.

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