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've confessed before that I'm not a wildlife photographer and I hold those who are talented at it in the highest regard. That said, I can't resist the attempt. What I don't like in the picture:In the one above, pretty much everything is awful. What I learned:Never discount the possibility of luck descending upon your creative efforts. It's a questionable strategy, but luck is also an occasional undeniable reality. When you get lucky (like the one at left) just be grateful and accept it with humility. What more can I say? 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI am so tempted to apply a thought balloon to this one. |
