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:In my favorite places to photograph, there is the constant challenge of photographing in a landscape that is sloped. Hills are everywhere. What I don't like in the picture:The version above was an attempt to exploit different textures. It ended up being too much of a good thing. It's too chaotic. What I learned:With all the tiny details of a scene like this, the simpler the composition, the better. The image at left shows textures and variety, but is less overwhelming that the one above. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextShould I try this in b/w. or would it become too chaotic again if we didn't have the color contrast to simplify the composition? |
