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:Like delicate footsteps in the rain. What I don't like in the picture:Actually, I like this one as is. If there is a problem, it's that I like the one at left even more. What I learned:Choices, choices, choices. I don't think I could use both of these in the same project because they are too similar. Perhaps in different projects they might be ok. The mistake I need to avoid is adding 4 more and thinking it's a project. It won't be; it'll just be repetitious. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextThis needs a Chinese poem to go with it. For sure. |
