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:Do you have an photographic idea that you've attempted over and over again, but never quite got it right? This is one of mine from this category. What I don't like in the picture:Can't put my finger on it. I just know it isn't right yet. What I learned:I do like the little star burst. That's about it. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI'm beginning to think that the key to these images is the movement of the water. Since we can't control that, I guess the only strategy remaining to to shoot a lot and hope to get lucky. |
