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:There is minimalism . . . What I don't like in the picture:. . . and then there is just plain stupid. What I learned:Even a virtuous idea can be pushed too far. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI really thought I was going to like this one once I removed the vertical post to the right of the bench. What if I added a seagull flying by in the sky? A flock of seagulls? A Pterodactyl, that's it! Be creative! A bad idea can be pushed to a really bad idea until it becomes kitchy cool. A flock of Pterodactyls!!!! |
