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:The above film image was shot in 1990. Not good, but a seed was planted. What I don't like in the picture:Too far away. I must have been afraid that the invisible dog would bite me. What I learned:In 2009, I was in Japan again and found this stone stairway in the Entuin Temple near Matshushima. I remembered the failed image from 1990 and was doubly excited to have another go at the idea. So, how long does it take to make a photograph? Sometimes, it takes 19 years. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI used this image in my 2021 book Dreams of Japan. See left/below for this completely different interpretation developed specifically for that book. So, how long does it take to make a photograph? Sometimes, it takes 31 years. I'm not sure I'm done with this one even now. |
