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:I went there to photograph the cave. What I don't like in the picture:Here is the cave. Are you thrilled? What I learned:I did not go there to photograph the visible effects of the wind on the sand. Lesson: The unexpected find is almost always better than the original plan. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextYou know, I could go there a hundred times and not see this scene. I know, I've been here a hundred times and this is the only time I've seen these swirls in the sand. Every time is different. That precisely why it's worth going back. |
