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
Drama in the Sky
Landscape photography is often more about the sky than it is about the land. Nothing worse for a landscape photographer than a bald, featureless sky. This week's set of images are all about using drama in the sky to make the picture.
What I saw that I liked:
The classic Shiprock, New Mexico.
What I don't like in the picture:
I'm not proposing that an empty sky cannot make a good picture, but it sure is easier when the sky is filled with dramatic clouds.
What I learned:
The thing about dramatic clouds in the sky is that the clouds enliven both the sky and the shadows they cast on the landforms below.
2nd Chances: What I might try next
I've seen a lot of pictures of Shiprock and I'm not sure mine has anything to make it special. Nonetheless, I sure had fun spending a couple of mornings in its presence. |
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