Photography: It’s All About the Crop

Photos by Bruce Kennedy

Photography: It’s All About the Crop

How a simple shift in framing can change everything

They say a picture is worth a thousand words — but what if changing the frame could tell a completely different story?

Let’s take a look at two photos of the same red fox, taken in Algonquin Park. In the first image, we see the full scene: the fox sitting peacefully on a blanket of snow, surrounded by soft-focus forest. It’s a beautiful, tranquil moment. The wide crop gives us context — we get a sense of the setting, the environment, and the stillness of the moment. It feels calm, even a bit distant, like we’re observing from afar.

Now take a look at the second image. Same fox, same moment — but now it’s cropped in close, tightly focused on the animal’s face. Suddenly, everything changes. You can see the snow resting gently on its nose, the sharp detail in its fur, and even a hint of emotion in its expression. It’s no longer just a fox in the woods — it’s a character, a presence. The image feels personal, even powerful.

That’s the magic of cropping. It’s not just about trimming edges or making things fit — it’s about focus. Cropping helps a photographer decide what matters most in a shot. Do you want to show the whole scene, or draw attention to one striking detail? Do you want to invite the viewer in, or let them observe from a distance?

Both versions of the fox image are beautiful, but they speak different visual languages. One is about space and serenity; the other is about texture, emotion, and intimacy. And the only real difference? The crop.

So next time you’re editing your photos, take a moment to experiment. Zoom in. Pull back. Shift the frame. You might be surprised at the new stories waiting to be told.

Because in photography — sometimes — it’s all about the crop.