Cropping. It can cause a lot of - uh - lively debate amongst photographers.

Two groups don't do it. Beginners and full-frame purists.

I'm not going to knock the FFPs. If they want to add an artificial constraint to their work, that's their choice.

But, make no mistake, it is artificial - the aspect ratio of your chosen imaging tool is whatever it is because of a manufacturer's decision somewhere along the line. Me? I like to wrest back control.

I also think there are great parallels between the photographic process - workflow, if you will - and the writing process I make most of my living from. I use many steps before arriving at the completed draft. I plan, write and revise; in fact, revisions are probably the single most time-consuming activity.

Cropping images is no more than the photographic equivalent of revisions to text. Just as integral to the process of producing images. So I'm completely relaxed in presenting images with whatever aspect ratio suits.