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:This image is from 2007. Love the diagonal crack in the wall. The light switch was just a bonus item in the composition. What I don't like in the picture:I like this image, but I don't love it. I didn't search for another opportunity, but when I saw the image at left, my heart leapt. The light on the wall with that sheen and the addition of the lace curtains. Yup. What I learned:Just because we've photographed it before doesn't mean we are done with that subject. Keep looking. Don't repeat, but don't allow that to get in the way of improvement. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextThe version above is heavily warm-toned. The newer version at left is not. Should it be? |
