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 hazy rim light on these boulders was very fun. What I don't like in the picture:This was a very hazy day due to forest fires nearby. that haze played havoc with the auto white balance in my camera. What I learned:In the image at left, I brought back a little of the warmth. Other than that, it's pretty much straight out of the camera. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextI printed this one large (30-inches) and it looks great. Who says you can't make a large print from micro 4/3 images? |
