Brooks Jensen Arts


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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What I saw that I liked:

Rounded the corner and this magnificent structure was right there. Took a quick picture.

What I don't like in the picture:

The entire formation was in the shade of a cloud. By the time I brightened the image, I lost all color in the sky and even the clouds disappeared.

What I learned:

Be patient. Clouds move. And they did. Just a few minutes later the sun was illuminating the surface and even the tree in the corner. There is blue sky and clouds. Much better.

2nd Chances: What I might try next

I still don't have the color balance right. That blue in the sky is an add color. Need to work on this if there is any hope of salvaging it.