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
What I saw that I liked:Lovely botanical on the edge of a stream in eastern Oregon. What I don't like in the picture:Not fond of the boulder in the lower left. What I learned:Prior to today's magical tools, I would either have skipped this image because of that boulder, or I would have jumped into the stream to see if I could move it without being injured. Now, I just click the shutter and let Lightroom's Generative Fill take care of it. It still feels a bit like cheating, but that sensation is quickly disappearing. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI have lots of other shots from this creek. Time to look for more boulders I can eliminate. |
