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 detail of this rope work was fascinating. What I don't like in the picture:The angle of the one above actually makes the detail more difficult to see. I have no idea why I thought this composition was a good idea. What I learned:If the shot is about detail, show the detail. The background is a bit distracting. I wish I had the patience to make all those selections and darken it. I don't, so it's finished as you see it. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextUnless there is some sophisticated selection option that would select just the background for me. Should I try "select background"? Nope, doesn't help in this case. |
