For scrapbookers, there are two meanings of the word “crop”.
1. A gathering of scrapbookers who enjoy each others’ company while designing layouts.
2. Cutting a photo so it looks better.
I will be discussing number 2 and will attempt to explain how to cut your photo to make it more visually pleasing. You can “crop” with Photoshop, a trimmer, or even scissors.
You know there’s a story behind this post, and it has to do with a recent mini weekend holiday my hubby and I enjoyed in July.
We ditched the teenagers (if you’re following my blog, you’ll know why) and decided to spend a lovely 4 days, Friday to Monday, at our friends’ new home on Lake Okanagan. (For my American friends, this is a gorgeous summer destination for lots of Albertans where it’s hot hot hot and the drinks are cold cold cold.) Our friends live between Kelowna and Vernon in British Columbia.
Have you ever had a trip and felt it was just the most fabulous and even glamorous vacation experience? And then get home and your photos are disappointing and do nothing to prove that you looked great while you wined and dined?
Let me explain with some “creative cropping” and a couple of pics from our trip…
We had lunch on an amazing restaurant patio with a spectacular view of the vineyard and lake below….
YIKES! All I can see when I look at this photo is that enormous ARM!!! Did someone inflate it?? The term “blow up doll” comes to mind.
Here’s where cropping comes in handy….
 |
| The “Arm Liposuction” crop |
Hmmmm…but there’s a messy table with my camera bag. Plus, I’m looking a little “top heavy”. Let’s improve this composition….
 |
| The “Breast Reduction” crop |
If I want to highlight the dreamy landscape in the background, I could cut my photo like this
 |
| No inflatable arm detracting from this beautiful setting in the background |
Just to prove that I am not a giantess with massive arms and breasts, here is a nicer photo that is not cropped at all.
 |
| In front of Gray Monk Vineyard Restaurant |
Let’s say your mini vacay did NOT go well. You were angry with your husband and want to remember the trip without him in it….
 |
| The “Divorce” crop |
Luckily, I did not have to perform the Divorce Crop because my hubby and I had the most wonderful time all weekend long.
And my final bit of cropping advice….don’t overdo it. Remember your photo might not be perfect but it always tells a story and captures that special moment in time….
 |
| Extreme Crop |
The smile says it all 🙂
Kazza
August 14, 2011 at 1:49 pm (13 years ago)That is so funny but very valuable information!!
I love your story telling. Puts a smile on my face to start the day! Thx Kelly.x
Sharon (Fritchey)
August 14, 2011 at 2:01 pm (13 years ago)You always make me laugh, Kelly! Belly laugh!!!!! This is so much fun! TFS your sense of humor with us!!!!!
Pendra
August 14, 2011 at 2:19 pm (13 years ago)You are soooo funny… still think we could make it on the road, just saying!! I received my goodies from you in the mail and just wanted to say thanks… I don’t own anything Bo Bunny, do you believe that? Well I do now… thanks sweetie!
Limor Webber
August 14, 2011 at 2:49 pm (13 years ago)LMAO!!! you crack me up!!!!
Michelle
August 14, 2011 at 3:03 pm (13 years ago)Omg! you Do crack me up girlfriend…arm liposuction indeed ! and gosh you guys are talllll…. that’s it…I’m only bringing highheels with me…and I’ll still probably look like a dwarf next to you LOL
Lee-Anne
August 14, 2011 at 3:17 pm (13 years ago)Ha ha! Love this!
Shirley
August 14, 2011 at 5:19 pm (13 years ago)Made me laugh out loud. You have a gift my dear, dear friend.
Cindy Gay
August 14, 2011 at 6:06 pm (13 years ago)Gotta love it Kelly! Sounds like a fun trip!
amelia
August 14, 2011 at 6:41 pm (13 years ago)I love this It ‘s so funny you make me laugh a lot looking what you did in croping those photos!!!!
Sandra D
August 14, 2011 at 7:39 pm (13 years ago)Another great post. Love the combination of humour & instruction! You are gorgeous before and after the “surgeries”.
Micupoftea~
August 14, 2011 at 10:31 pm (13 years ago)Yep, cropping makes photos look better and/or focuses onte best part! Valuable info 🙂
Micupoftea~
August 14, 2011 at 10:33 pm (13 years ago)Kelly…forgot to say that it looks like you had a great time with your special guy! xo
Lisa Barrie
August 15, 2011 at 6:57 pm (13 years ago)So darn funny!! I have to remember this next vacation!
Renee VanEpps
August 16, 2011 at 3:08 am (13 years ago)I agree with Shirley (you have a great gift), and Sandra’s funny comment LOL!! But it’s true, you are gorgeous and hilarious chica 😉 And don’t feel bad – I could only wish to have your arms! Your blog is such a perfect mix of everything, so happy you are here now!!! And I have to apologize for not doing my part of the Sweet Blog Award you gave me (yet). Going to start dreaming stuff up right now LOL! TTYL
Tasha
August 16, 2011 at 12:25 pm (13 years ago)What a fun post! Where did you go (between Kelowna and Vernon?) I only ask because my Dad lived in Oyama for a million years (but recently moved to Vernon). It is 20 minutes between Kelowna and Vernon but so small that no one ever knows where it is… Is that where you visited? I love it out there – Wade and I talk about relocating ALL the time. I am sure you had an amazing mini vacation. I love the wineries there – arent they beautiful?!
Noor Nahdi
August 16, 2011 at 1:17 pm (13 years ago)Funny one!!! Waiting to see your LO’s sweetie 🙂
Jessica Cangiano
August 21, 2011 at 8:02 am (13 years ago)Hi beautiful gal,
You have no idea how homesick these great travel pics are making this Okanagan raised girl right now! 🙂 Looks like you a stellar time there, that’s wonderful!
Thank you very much for your lovely comment on my scrapbook blog this morning about my anniversary card. Visiting the Okanagan, you were hanging out precisely where my parents still live 🙂
Big hugs & joyful weekend wishes,
Jessica
Wanda G (stampcat)
August 21, 2011 at 5:39 pm (13 years ago)OMG I’m cracking up! What a great post! Love your writing style and your projects too! Have a wonderful day!
Izzyb
August 28, 2011 at 4:01 pm (13 years ago)Hee! You are much braver than me, sweetie, because I would have never posted the original with the errant arm, lol.
Loved your post as I always do. You are such a terrific storyteller. Glad you got away from the munchkins for a little R and R.