Compositions of Photography: Closed Format Cropping

Closed Format Cropping

The closed format cropping composition means all information is provided in the shot. It can show the full image, and can provide a narrative type message to the shot.

- Frank Hurley

This shot demonstrates closed format cropping. There is nothing missing from the shot story-wise, as it is a broad, widespread view of the scene, and all the information for the narrative of such is there, available in the shot. 

- Anne Geddes

This example of closed format cropping is shown quite simply. The subject, mother and baby, is the only element in the shot, however it is the only element needed as that one captured moment tells the whole story. If the picture was cropped closer you may not be able to get as good an idea as to what's going on outside the shot, but this way, with closed format cropping, we can clearly get the whole story in one simple shot.