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.
Previous image | Next image |
Original digital capture
Probably Not, but Maybe Week
This week I've been photographing in eastern Oregon on vacation. This week's theme will be some images that might be useful after b/w processing. All still tentative, all still needing more time to marinate. A look, however, at the immediate response process when we are still filled with initial enthusiasm. We'll see if that positivity survives the passage of time.
What I saw that I liked:
I've driven past this view near Shaniko, Oregon for decades. I've never photographed until this image.
What I don't like in the picture:
Haze, haze, and more haze.
What I learned:
I don't think I've ever driven this road with a digital camera. This image required a long lens — and I have with me this week a 100mm lens for my m4/3 camera. This would have required 400mm lens on my old view camera (which I'm not even sure is made for my old view camera). With this long lens on my digital camera, I was able to get this shot that I've seen while driving past at least a couple dozen times in my life. Never give up. Things are always changing. Yet another good reason to drive again down roads you already experienced.
2nd Chances: What I might try next
Yes, yes, yes, I'll probably warm-tone this one, too. |
|
