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:Love the shape of this bare tree. What I don't like in the picture:Wrong angle to the sun means the tree doesn't stand out against the background like I'd like it to. What I learned:Patience is a virtue. After making the exposure above, I went off for the rest of the day to photograph elsewhere. When I drove back at the end of the day, I found better light and a better angle. Persistence is also a virtue. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI wish the broken branches weren't there. Photoshop them out? |
