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:Actually, what I didn't see that I don't like: the building on the right, the powerlines, the wooden fence, the empty sky. What I don't like in the picture:Clearly, this image is all about the row of trash cans with their white snow hats. Everything else is a distraction. What I learned:Again, same walk as the last couple of day's images, a snow day in 2004. Back then, I didn't know about stitching a panorama. If I had, this would have been a perfect candidate for that technique. Instea, all I have is the extreme crop at left. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextWith some finicky Photoshop work, I might be able to remove the fence at right and those two distractions on the far left behind the cyclone fence. Not sure it's worth the effort. |
