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:Asian temple architecture fascinates me. What I don't like in the picture:The above is some interesting architecture, but is a less than satisfying photographic composition. To my eye, it just looks like a big "7." What I learned:Composing this kind of complexity is a real challenge. Sometimes an inch this way or that way makes all the difference. Ultimately, it's an abstract and therefore is all about eye movement and metaphor. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextHere again, I think this could be a great b/w image, but would require some diligent work to add some fake light here and there. |
