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:I've photographed this cave at Hug Point on the Oregon coast many times. What I don't like in the picture:Most of my images look like the ones above — very descriptive, very bland. What I learned:But the one at left is the reason it's worth it to go back again and again to places you like to photograph. Someday, it just might be different and present you with something you've never seen before. These dried, wind-blown streaks of sand make the image special and one I treasure. The one above? Meh. But I am so glad I kept returning or I would have never had the chance to make the special image that makes it into my "greatest hits" list. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI'm going back there again this summer. Wonder what I'll find? |
