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:What's not to love in Monument Valley? What I don't like in the picture:Well, one thing that's not to love is the cliché image that a million other photographers (and film makers) have seen and photographed. Monument Valley is filled with these types of scenes. What I learned:Monument Valley (like all popular tourist locations) is more than its iconic views. I found this curious rock structure (left) in Monument Valley and I've never seen a photograph of it. Perhaps they are both okay images, but the one above will produce a yawn while the one at left will at least be something people have never seen. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextMaybe this should be in color to showcase the red rock. Maybe. |
