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.
|
Original digital capture
What I saw that I liked:Terrific woodwork on this old mirror. What I don't like in the picture:Can you explain to me why I thought it was the right decision to hack off the pitcher and pinch the top of the mirror so close to the edge? I'd say I kicked the tripod leg — but this was shot handheld. What I learned:Just because it's a cool thing doesn't mean it can be a cool photograph. I think I tried to do too much with this one. Somehow, this needs to be simplified to be successful. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextWhat happens if I select the entire image and do content aware delete? Couldn't be worse that what I have here. |
