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
Don't Delete WeekI know there are some photographers who permanently delete their "losers" in an effort to keep their required storage space to a minimum. Some even delete images from the camera while they are in the field! Don't. You never know what the future may hold. What I saw that I liked:Some of you, I know, have seen this example from my workshops and lectures. I photographed this tidal slough for unknown motivations. I just did. What I don't like in the picture:I can tell you what I didn't like iin the above and that is the yucky green/yellow and the bland contrast. Pretty awful. In fact, so awful that I almost deleted the entire day's work that night as I review the digital captures of the day. What I learned:But I didn't delete them. I just forgot about them and moved on. Several months later, I started playing around with them and discover the image at left. Boy was I glad I didn't delete them! |
