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:It's a remote Chinese temple and what's not to like? What I don't like in the picture:These both illustrate why I prefer a more minimalist approach to composition. Both of these are simply far to clutter and try to say too much. The trees are interesting; the walls are interesting; the temple and its pond are interesting. Trying to include all of that in a single image is just too much. Ugh. What I learned:Both of these were made within a few minutes of my arrival at the temple and show my eagerness to jump in. I would have been much better served to take a few minutes and just look, clarify my thinking and feelings about the place. I don't work well when I rush. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextExtreme cropping? Naw, never a good idea. |
