Off With Their Head!

"Why did you chop off the top of my head?" It's a question I encounter frequently when delivering images to my clients. Ironically, many of these same clients chose me as their photographer after seeing my website images—each one carefully composed with the top of their heads not fully visible. They didn't seem to notice at the time, and it's a phenomenon I find intriguing.

In my experience, this oversight occurs because the image isn't just a straightforward representation of them; rather, it's a crafted portrayal that emphasizes certain features and expressions. This selective framing is deliberate and serves a purpose. The art of photography isn't simply about documenting what's in front of the camera—it's about making conscious choices that enhance the story we're trying to tell.

If you flip through a magazine today, you'll likely notice that this style of cropping is pervasive. Why? Because it brings the viewer closer to the subject, allowing for a more intimate view of facial details and expressions—the very elements that convey personality and character. The brain effortlessly fills in the missing information, and the absence of the top of the head often goes unnoticed.

When clients express confusion or concern about the crop, I often take the opportunity to show them the original, looser composition alongside the tighter one. Without fail, they gravitate towards the tighter crop, despite their initial reservations. Why? Because it captures a sense of intensity and focus that resonates more powerfully.

This phenomenon reveals something fascinating about human perception and visual preference. When we're presented with side-by-side comparisons, the tighter crop consistently wins because it creates a more immediate emotional connection. The viewer's attention is drawn directly to the eyes, the expression, and the subtle nuances of emotion that define the subject's character.

In essence, by excluding the top of the head, we draw attention to what truly matters—the eyes, the expression, the essence of the individual. It's not about what's missing from the frame; it's about what's emphasized and amplified. And in the end, it's the impact of the image that speaks volumes, creating portraits that command attention and forge genuine connections with viewers.