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:During dinner in the restaurant, I kept looking at these ceiling lights thinking there might be a photograph to be made. What I don't like in the picture:Straight images just aren't interesting. But fortunately I had another lens with me . . . What I learned:. . . well, not a lens, really, but what you and I would call an "empty wine glass." I held the camera in such a position that the wine class was touching the camera lens and pointed at the light fixture. Distortions were varied depending on how I positioned the wine glass. Fun — not particularly wonderful images, but I love this idea! The "play factor" is very high and with enough experimenting, I think I could come us with something interesting. The one at left is only an example of potential, not anything I would normally show, but it does point to some promise. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextDifferent shaped glasses? Different light sources? This could be fun! |
