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
Water WeekI was once advised that there are limitless opportunities for photography at the water's edge. I believe this is true. Observation #2:Water reflects. Just like the water itself, the colors the water reflects are quixotic. The image at left was photographed 4 minutes after the one above, both overlooking the ocean at Depoe Bay, Oregon. In the above the sky was cloudy, but bright. Four minutes later the sun dipped down under the clouds and turned them a vibrant golden color — which changed the water's color almost instantly. What I learned:Water changes quickly, moment to moment, instant to instant. Photograph water with patience, but be prepared to work quickly. Water, like time, waits for no one. |
