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
All About the Numbers Week
When it comes to composition, numbers play an important role that designers know all about. Photographers need this same knowledge when it comes to composition. This week we'll look at numbers and composition.
What I saw that I liked:
These memorial markers in stone are found all over Japan. I just love photographing them even though I don't read Japanese.
What I don't like in the picture:
Designers will tell you that odd numbers are always easier to compose than even numbers. In these two examples, we see and odd number (one) in the above and another odd number (five) in the image at left.
What I learned:
Odd numbers of items might be recommended, but one thing is often not very satisfying. The composition above screams "Look at me and stare." There is no movement, no place for our eye to explore. It's a statement of fact, whereas the example at left is a 5-item composition that encourages us to explore. Eventually we become conscious of the shadow and the fall leaves. That is to say, we are rewarded for our visual exploration. This is why I love composing in 3s, 5s, and 7s wherever possible.
2nd Chances: What I might try next
By the way, that shadow is and "orchestrated" one. It didn't exist in the unprocessed exposure. I made it to give a little life to the otherwise somewhat flat light. |
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