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:Snow fences in Wyoming. I was born in Laramie, so maybe I'm cosmically drawn to them. What I don't like in the picture:The light in the above is very flat and the fences only occupy the middle third of the image. The rest feels superfluous. What I learned:The next day we had wonderful storm clouds and sunlight breaking through. Now we're talking! What makes this one work for my eye are the highlights in the fence compared to the dark shadows. Perhaps a good example how spending time in one location can pay off if we have the patience for the weather to do something dramatic. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI've darkened the sky above the clouds. Should I push it just a tad darker? |
