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.
|
Original digital capture
What I saw that I liked:A field the day after a grass burn. What I don't like in the picture:The above was my first attempt to capture this event. I think it fails because it's about the tire tracks rather than about the extensive burn. What I learned:The one at left does a better job of showing the grass burn. It feels quite apocalyptic to me. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextAnother example of an image that might fit into a project somewhere, but would never fit as decor above the fireplace. |
