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:This kind of layered geology is a blessing for us photographers. So much fun to photograph! What I don't like in the picture:Here again, I like both of these, but they illustrate totally different approaches. What I learned:The one above is all about color; the one at left is all about pattern. As photographic artwork, I'm naturally drawn to the one at left. It is more of a response to the landscape rather than a recording of the landscape — but that's just me. I also like the white of the ground out of which the hills seem to emerge. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI need to see how large I can print the one at left. My be a great candidate for wall art. |
