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:When the misty clouds are moving fast, there is a new composition to capture every 30 seconds or so. What I don't like in the picture:I was happy with the one above. Until, that is, I captured the one at left. I love the cluster of rocks in the middle of the mist. What I learned:In my film days, I would wait patiently to get the right shot, but often missed it because I waited too long. Now with digital capture, I can shoot hundreds of shots as the clouds roll by. At some point you have to stop, but I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather keep shooting and get the shot rather than feel pressured to move on too quickly. With a scene like this, you never know when the next moment might be the better one. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextDo I leave those few yellow leaves at the bottom? What about that cluster of leaves in the very lower left corner? |
