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:The contrast of the mud texture to the water was interesting. The diagonal line is nice. What I don't like in the picture:The tones are awful. Whenever possible, I like to photograph in great light. Sometimes, it just isn't there. My inclination in my youth was to just pass and keep looking. What I learned:Here in the digital workflow age, I've come to realize that I can employ much more pushing tones around than I ever dreamed with my limited wet darkroom skills. I still prefer great light, but if I don't have it, I shoot anyway. In the field, I work for the best composition I can. Back home when I'm processing, I push tones and colors however I can to make an image. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. Even when it doesn't, it's fun to try! 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI need to try rotating this image to throw off our sense of balance. |
