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.
|
Original digital capture
What I saw that I liked:Cool erosion patterns. What I don't like in the picture:I resist the idea that photography is "about light." I do, however, admit that sometimes the right light can make an image come to life. Light is a tool, but not a subject. What I learned:These two pictures are about 10-feet apart and about 10-minutes apart. Work the area, not just the composition. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI know this kind of contrast could be painted in with Photoshop. Just for fun, I should try it just to hone that skill. |
