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.


Click on the image to see it larger

Previous image  |  Next image

Original digital capture


Click on the image to see it larger

What I saw that I liked:

Not sure. Whatever I saw that I liked, I don't like it now.

What I don't like in the picture:

In the first place, the main subject is too small to identify what it is. I'm not even sure you can tell in the closer view at left. (Think, "target practice.")

What I learned:

Just because it's a shape in the landscape that can become the focal point of a composition doesn't make it an interesting subject. Duh.

2nd Chances: What I might try next

Move on.