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
Fall Colors in B/W
Admittedly, few subjects in photography are more beloved than the annual forest extravaganza of fall colors. It may not be obvious, but that pertains to us b/w folks, too! This week will present five examples where beautiful colors also can make beautiful b/w renditions.
What I saw that I liked:
Starburst effects can be easily over-used. I rarely do so, but this image seemed perfect for it.
What I see in the color picture:
The challenge with this image is that the yellow leaves are a strong yellow color and they shout YELLOW at the top of their little leafy mouths. They overpower the sun, and that is not an easy thing to do.
What I see in the b/w version:
The term I want to use to describe the rendition of those yellow leaves in the b/w version is pastel. Is it possible to have a pastel b/w image? Maybe not, but it can feel that way. Notice there are hardly any black tones in this image. Maybe that adds to the pastel feeling. And the sun is whiter than the leaves when they are rendered in this light, "pastel gray." Delicate process in this one, but an example where I like the b/w version so much better than the traditional yellowpalooza. |
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