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:A hanging lantern in a remote nature preserve in China. I just love the shape! What I don't like in the picture:Flat light; no separation between the subject and the background. What I learned:Remember that I'm not photographing a thing, but rather trying to make a piece of visual artwork. With this subject, a simple change of angle and some more dramatic lighting was the easily obtainable solution. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI've never printed this image, but looking at it here, I think I'd like to try a print. |
