Every Picture Is a Compromise
Lessons from the Also-rans
Most photography websites show the photographer's very best work. Wonderful. But that's not the full story of a creative life. If we want to learn, we'd better pay attention to the images that aren't "greatest hits" and see what lessons they have to offer. Every picture is a compromise — the sum of its parts, optical, technical, visual, emotional, and even cosmic – well, maybe not cosmic, but sometimes spiritual. Success on all fronts is rare. It's ok to learn from those that are not our best.
This is a series about my also-rans, some of which I've been able to improve at bit (i.e., "best effort"), none of which I would consider my best. With each there are lessons worth sharing, so I will.
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Original digital capture
What I saw that I liked:Pretty girls dancing in elegant costumes. What's not to like? What I don't like in the picture:I like to think I'm pretty good at certain kinds of photography — landscape, for instance. This kind of photography indoors, a live stage performance? I haven't a clue. Flash photography? Haven't a clue. After trying to do something interesting with these performers in inner-Mongolia, China, I gained a newfound respect for photographers who do know how to do this kind of thing well. What I learned:I need to learn how to balance flash with exigent lighting, or let those with the skill make these kinds of images for me to enjoy. That said, I'm not thoroughly unhappy with the salvaged image after extensive Photoshop work. Not completely. I think the one thing I did get right in this shot — and on purpose, I swear — is the placement of the main dancer's fingers against a dark background. I chose this low angle for that purpose, so good for me! 2nd Chances: What I might try nextIf I ever am invited back to inner-Mongolia, I'll study up on flash photography before hand. Hmmmm. . . maybe I should do that anyway, just in case. |
