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
Get Closer Week
Any advice that is supposed to be universal is probably bad advice. That said, I think there are very few pictures that aren't improved by moving closer. This week's examples might help illustrate the wisdom of simply taking a step or two toward the subject, or at least zooming in a bit.
What I saw that I liked:
The guide pointed out that from my position I could see three sets of stairs. Naturally, I tried to photograph them.
What I don't like in the picture:
In the above, there is simply too much going on — the mirror, the rounded arches at the top, the three banisters. Just too much.
What I learned:
The image at left is a much simpler composition, but I think shows the ornate architecture well enough to get the point across. I also like the two light sources — the incandescent bulbs in the upper left with their yellow glow and the beam of sunlight hitting the centered post.
2nd Chances: What I might try next
The tilt of the camera pointing up makes the dare area in the right edge lean in. Should I rectify that skewed line? |
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