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.
|
Original digital capture
What I saw that I liked:Curious appendage in a pine tree. What I don't like in the picture:The one above is about branches that make a cross. What I wanted was a photograph of the curious appendage. What I learned:Taking just a moment to clarify your thinking about your intent in the photograph is always a good thing. The instant I clicked the shutter on the above, I knew it was wrong. A quick zoom in and the one at left was easy. I'm not saying it's a great photograph — because it's not. I am saying it more accurately reflects the intent I saw in my mind's eye. I might use this someday. I might not. At least it is a true reflection of my vision at that moment. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextAs you can see, I darkened and reduced the color saturation in the background. I hope I didn't take it too far. |
