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.
|
Original digital capture
What I saw that I liked:I saw the above with the mix of green and yellow leaves and immediately liked the idea. What I don't like in the picture:The above version is good, but . . . What I learned:A few feet down the road I found the image at left. It's the same idea as the version above, but more structured. I prefer this one, but I could also see a use for the version above. This is a great example where it's a good idea to capture both versions. You never know which image will fit a future project. 2nd Chances: What I might try nextAt this point in time, in the image at left I like those large trunks of the aspen in the lower left corner. I may or may not retain that thought as time goes on. If I decide to eliminate them, it will be easy enough with AI Remove.. |
