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
Deep Shadows Week
I know that "photography" is "light writing." Sometimes, however, it is not the light but the deep shadow that makes the image succeed. This week will be examples of deep shadows that bring the brightly lit objects to life.
What I saw that I liked:
For reasons unknown, I like weeds — the plants that grow without plans, not the happy oregano.
What I don't like in the picture:
The above bunch was growing out of a pile of gravel next to the road. I like the weeds, but I wasn't crazy about the chaos.
What I learned:
After isolating one of the stalks, I was able to make the image at left, but the gravel in the background was distracting. Deep shadows came to the rescue. I simply pushed the dark tones down even further to bury the detail of the gravel rocks in the blackness.
2nd Chances: What I might try next
This one kinda reminds me of fireworks, don't you think? |
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