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
Failures in the WoodsThis week's podcast at www.lenswork.com discusses different strategies for different landscapes. Dovetailing with those thoughts, this week I'll illustrate the challenges of photographing in the woods. What I saw that I liked:A nice skiff of snow in the woodlands near our home in Anacortes. What I don't like in the picture:In the photo above, see how distracting the white patches of sky in the upper trees become and simply ruin the scene. What I learned:The image at left was photographed just a few feet from the one above. Careful positioning of the camera and a little patience for some fog make a huge improvement. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextThe image at left has been one of my most popular images — at least in terms of print sales. I've never even thought of offering the one above for sale. |
