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:One of the reasons I love making abstract photographs is that I can start them anywhere. Here I'm in a cement bunker at Fort Worden State Park. The wall behind me is the kind of thing I really enjoy exploring. What I don't like in the picture:Rarely do abstract present themselves fully resolved in their natural visual state. Processing is required. What I learned:The version at left is from a little patch of the above with considerable processing. How do you know when it's right? A thoroughly personal process that may not appeal to anyone but yourself. That said, when it's right for you, don't be surprised to have a chill run up your spine in recognition. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextActually, I already did. This splash of paint was used for the cover of three of my books. |
