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:Moon over farm. Gorgeous setting-sun colors. What I don't like in the picture:What do you think, was it a good decision to clip the top of the moon with the frame? Geez, one of the problems of handholding with a very long lens. What I learned:Fortunately, I made a few additional exposures and managed to get one without clipping the top of the moon. There is less of the wheat field, but I don't miss it. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextThose colors are so beautiful, but I wonder if it would bugger it up if I added just a touch of saturation or vibrance? Won't know until I try it! |
