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:Rounded the corner and this magnificent structure was right there. Took a quick picture. What I don't like in the picture:The entire formation was in the shade of a cloud. By the time I brightened the image, I lost all color in the sky and even the clouds disappeared. What I learned:Be patient. Clouds move. And they did. Just a few minutes later the sun was illuminating the surface and even the tree in the corner. There is blue sky and clouds. Much better. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI still don't have the color balance right. That blue in the sky is an add color. Need to work on this if there is any hope of salvaging it. |
