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:This is an 1803 New England church. What I don't like in the picture:The image above shows a thing. It's ok, but it is completely without context. It would work well in a multi-image project, but all by itself it is bland. What I learned:At left, a similar light fixture is seen in context of its surroundings. To me, this is a much more complete story. I'm glad to have captured both of these images, but they will be used in different projects. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextShould I darken the light in the arched windows? |
