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:I've been thinking about this picture idea for years. A solid wall of trees, deep in a coastal forest. What I don't like in the picture:The touch of green in the background is distracting. I searched and searched for a clump of trees that would resolve this problem, but this above was the closest I came to finding what I wanted. What I learned:Converting to b/w and some detailed processing and I think I have what I was hoping for. Still, if I find another opportunity someday, I won't hesitate to attempt this one again. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextReincarnate my eternal spirit as Wynn Bullock. |
