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:I said this series is an examination of my failures for the lessons it might teach us. Here's a lesson. In general, I would suggest that butts are never a great choice for a photograph. What I don't like in the picture:Besides the butt, it's a picture of a seagull. It's impossible to make a good photograph of a seagull. Lots of us have tried for decades, but it can't be done. What I learned:With the seagull at left, at least I avoided the butt. Just crop it out! Then use diagonal lines in the composition. Place the focal point of the seagull's face in the exact position of the Rule of Thirds. Seems like it ought to be winner. But then again, it's a seagull. I repeat, it is not possible to make an interesting photograph of a seagull. I think I've proved my point. Q.E.D. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextThere are no second chances with seagulls. Photographers who repeatedly try to do so should have their cameras confiscated. |
