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:
Another example of photographing in the middle of the day. These lighting conditions make noontime photography a joy.
What I don't like in the picture:
In the above image with the two trees, I suppose I could have waited for the fir tree on the right edge to be immersed in shadow, but I was impatient.
What I learned:
Fortunately, I found the tree at left not far down the road and it was isolated beautifully.
2nd Chances: What I might try next
There is a dot of white in the upper left from a stray snippet of light illuminating the fir in the background. I need to spot this dot out. |
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