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
Going Back
It's said that we can't go back. True enough, but we can revisit a place we've photographed before and find something new! In fact, it's almost guaranteed we'll find something new. Things (including ourselves) are constantly changing. This week are five examples of going back — and being really glad I did.
What I saw that I liked:
The image above was exciting and I was delighted to capture Shiprock with such mysterious clouds.
When I revisited this location:
I went back two days later in the hopes of finding Shiprock with different clouds in the sky. Yup, weather changes.
What I found on Day 2:
Big puffy clouds were casting shadows onto Shiprock in a constantly changing performance. I love the way this allowed me to interpret Shiprock in the moment.
2nd Chances:
We'd wrapped up and were ready to go when another cloud passed overhead and created a very Shiprock-like shadow on Shiprock itself. Going back can also mean just waiting a few minutes for a new view. |
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