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:Like yesterday's pose, this is a comparison of digital (above) to film (at left). What I don't like in the picture:The image above is a lovely picture of a temple. The architecture of the temple, that is. It's okay, but sort of bland. What I learned:I have an image of the version at left (these are from 1990 on film) that does not include the woman. Again, sort of a bland architectural shot. I saw her walking toward the temple and loaded up the film holder and waited, cable release in hand. When she was centered in the scene, I released the shutter. This is one of my best images from Japan and I wish I could let her know how appreciative I am for her unconscious cooperation. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextWould it be worth the effort to use Generative Fill to place someone in the image above? Or, should I just be happy with the one I have at left? |
