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:I spent hours selecting the exact right three-feet of road paint for this image. Or, I accidentally pressed the shutter release while I was getting back in the car. If you are a betting person, bet on the latter. What I don't like in the picture:And here is where it gets funny. I actually like this image, sort of. I don't know if I like it enough to use it, but it proves the point that today's cameras will give you a perfectly exposed, sharply focused image even when you are trying to do so. What I learned:I used to automatically delete all these "accidental shutter trips." I mostly still do, but only after I look at them more closely. Every once in a while, an accident opens and question and a train of thought. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextThere might be a seed image here. Where does this lead me — or should I say, "invite me." |
