Generally my editing begins with cropping an image with a “focus” on the points of interest using a crop tool set for either a golden ratio, rectangular, or fibonacci spiral grid. The times when there is a pesky “thing” poking in from the edge(s) which somehow was either ignored or not seen in the camera lens, I will either crop or use a software program to removed the unwanted object.
I like the composition of the first image so kept the image at the original aspect ratio and cropped with a fibonacci spiral grid.
The above image was cropped with a ratio of 6×7 which seemed to invite me to move from a stilled contemplative mood to a sense of an ocean’s dynamic energy.
The monochrome cloud images were created with a Nikon D750 (f/8 1/500s 190mm 400 ISO ) and edited in Silver Efex Pro 2.
This week’s Lens-Artists photo challenge is offered by Patti who discussed the photo editing technique and benefits of cropping the shot followed by, “Show us how cropping helped to improve an image and create a desired effect. Include the shot ‘before’ and ‘after’ so we can see the difference.
a meditative journey 
Wonderful explanation and images, Brenda. The sepia is lovely and your shots do invite contemplation.
Thank you, Patti. I’m glad that these lens-artists challenges have continued during these confusing times.
Thank you, Brenda for your kind words. It helps to give us all some focus during these
confusing and frightening times!!
A gorgeous sky Brenda, loved the use of monochrome to express a mood
Thank you, Tina. I’ve chosen to photograph sunsets as the number of people without masks and dogs without leashes are increasing in number at the park nearby. Just doesn’t feel safe.
Well expressed and explained, Brenda!
Thank you Leya. It’s an ongoing learning process so I appreciate these weekly photo challenges.
♥
Great illustration Brenda.
Thank you, Rupali.
Hmm. Intriguing ‘abstracts’. Well done.