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:These drying persimmons are such a quintessential Japanese thing. What I don't like in the picture:The above was taken in the morning when the overcast skies were muting the light. The composition is ok, but the image is flat. What I learned:Fortunately, I spent several hours photographing this place and when I circled back to this spot after lunch, the sun was out and allowed a much more interesting composition with the casting of shadows. Isn't it interesting how the one at left feels more three-dimensional because of those shadows even though the composition eliminates the perspective lines of the version above? 2nd Chances: What I might try nextHere are a couple alternatives of this same subject. Decisions, decisions.
|
