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 results of the snowstorm included predictably challenging travel. What I don't like in the picture:I wanted this picture to emphasize the distance and isolation as a result of the snowstorm. The version above, however, is too distant. We feel disconnected. What I learned:When I saw the clumps of snow at left, I surmised it might make a good near/far relationship with that small tree. To me, the tree at left is more isolated than the house above. I think this has to do with the tree being alone with just its shadow for company. |
