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:Spectacular view! What I don't like in the picture:The above composition was a concentration on the mountains. Unfortunately, that eliminates the fall color trees at the lower elevations. What I learned:Another example of why I find zoom lenses so handy. The version at left was shot at the wider angle and get the trees down in the vase of the mountain. Also, this one was shot just a few seconds later so the sunlit area extends to the bottom of the valley. All always accept a bit of luck when I can. |
