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:A minimalist opportunity with the single tree growing from the side of the cinder cone. What I don't like in the picture:Why did I think it was necessary to include the out of focus branch in the lower left and another in the lower right corner? Dumb mistakes. What I learned:The one at left is the subsequent exposure without the distractions, and I think is closer to what I wanted. But, why oh why did I cut off the shadow of the tree? Would the minimalism be enhanced if the tree were a little to the left and up just a bit so the entire shadow were visible? I think I was just so excited to get that tree into the corner of the composition that I didn't even think about the shadow. Damn. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextWould it be possible to clone in another 10% to the right edge and create the shadow to fill? Worth a try. |
