Hey Reader,

Before you delete that “almost good” photo…try moving the edges.

Sometimes, a stronger photograph is hiding inside the one you already took.

Yep, I'm talking about CROPPING.

Take this buffalo image:

And here it is after cropping:

Cropping is a photographic art, just like editing. You’re deciding what deserves attention, what belongs in the story, and what can leave the frame.

It's just another way to guide viewers to your subject.

What you saw with your eyes doesn’t have to match your camera’s rectangle perfectly. You’re allowed to refine your vision afterward.

Want to try it? Open one photo and ask:

📸 What should someone notice first?​
Give your crop a purpose before dragging those corners.

👀 What’s competing for attention?​
Check for bright corners, partial objects, or extra space that adds little to the story.

🌿 What deserves to stay?​
A tighter crop isn’t always stronger. Keep the surroundings that create atmosphere, show scale, or help explain the moment.

Then compare your crop with the original. Does your eye find the subject more easily? Does the photograph still tell the story you wanted?

Your mini adventure this week: Find one overlooked photo and make two versions: a wide crop that celebrates the setting and a tighter crop that emphasizes the subject. Which one speaks to you?

The opening buffalo comparison is free to explore, with the full lesson and practice exercise for paid subscribers.

Hit reply and tell me: Do you crop confidently or drag the corners around until something feels right? 😂

Stay wild,
Alexandra
​The Bucket List Mermaid