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:Not the rocks at Stone Henge, but rather the light that slivers through the gaps. What I don't like in the picture:I think I was onto something here, but the original definitely needs some post-processing. What I learned:The one at left is better, but still is missing something. So this one is a hint of the possible, but not ready for prime time. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextWhat I really want to do is to go back there and try a lot more experimenting with angles and light. |
