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
Squares and Circles Week
In a recent Here's a Thought... commentary I discussed the square format and the use of diagonals. This week I'll illustrate a similar idea using the square 1:1 aspect ratio image with circles and curves in the composition.
What I saw that I liked:
The Stonehenge replica on the Columbia River in Oregon.
What I don't like in the picture:
Just for a lark, I decided to try photographing this odd structure with a fisheye lens. I've tried photographing here on several occasions and always was disappointed with the images. I think with the fisheye I finally have some images I like.
What I learned:
Fisheye lenses are not easy to use. I kept finding I'd accidentally photographed my toes or the front edge of my hat. Almost all these image look better cropped to a square. This one at the left is one of my favorites so far. |
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