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
What I saw that I liked:Every time I see cattails like this, I want to photograph them. Can't explain it; just do it. What I don't like in the picture:The one above is only marginally about the cattails. It feels more like a failed bird photograph by a photographer who needs a much longer lens. What I learned:The one at left is better, but not great. At least it's about cattails and not a bird. I might find a use for this image, but it's certainly not a show-stopper. I have a suspicion this is a "seed image." It's one that I'll keep in mind for the next opportunity to improve upon it. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextAgain, b/w? |
