Also that sink helps show that this is an old, old barber shop. In fact if you look at it the only thing in this photo that shows it wasn't taken 50 years ago is the plastic product containers on the shelf. Cropping the left side of the print would also remove some of the information that indicates this is a basement barbershop. Sometimes cropping out the background just is not a good idea, as it can destroy ambiance. At other times, as you say, it is just distracting.
Besides, if I did not want it there it would not have been on the negative, I would have chosen another viewpoint. Also, this is quite clearly labeled as a work print. I have about six different versions of it done in Photoshop to see which works best. One of them will be used as a template for a custom print. However that one has only minor tweaking over the work print, as I have decided not to crop the image. I also decided to show the raw image to the list rather than one of the photoshopped ones.
BTW, for those who do not know, a work print is one that you make to decide what you need to do to a custom print to make it come out just the way you like. It is usually a moderate enlargement (5x7, or 8x10) so the details are clear. You use it to decide about cropping, dodging, burning, etc. Proofs on the other hand are just snapshot size prints that can be used to select poses etc. Usually the work flow is from negative, to contact, to proof, to work print, to custom print which might be any thing from an 8x10 to a mural.
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Bill Owens wrote:
Needs cropping on the left side. The sink is distracting.
-- graywolf http://graywolfphoto.com
"You might as well accept people as they are, you are not going to be able to change them anyway."
