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:I thought the above was a fun composition because of the leaves seen against the bark of the trees. What I don't like in the picture:But then I saw the version at left and liked it much better. What I learned:That said, I don't like the small tree that is leaning in from the left. It might be worth a try to see if AI remove could get rid of it without looking false. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI often find these types of images need a boost in contrast. Did I go too far? |
