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:Contrasting white rock against a non-white background. In Capitol Reef, Utah. What I don't like in the picture:In the above, the white rock is a wonderful shape, but my attempt to contrast it to the red background just doesn't work. I think this is because the opposite of white is not red. What I learned:I found another of these white rocks just down the road a bit. This one (left) is seen against a dark gray rock (in my converted b/w rendition). The contrasting tones work better. In fact, they set up a good vs evil metaphor — David and Goliath, if you will. You may hum the Death Star theme to Star Wars if you want. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextDo I really need that sky above the dark rock? Does Adobe make a "Rock Wall Replacement" tool? |
