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
Subtle Color Week
The current passion of so many photographers these days is to hyper-saturate the colors in their images to unrealistic intensity. Viewing these images always feel like I'm being shouted at. Is there not an aesthetic that celebrates subtle colors? Of course there is.
What I saw that I liked:
Here again, the subject and composition — and the gorgeous shadows! — seemed to demand a b/w treatment.
What I don't like in the picture:
The version above has a touch of vignetting in the upper corners. I worked with a Radial Gradient mask to lighten those vignette spots and discovered the lovely light blue sky that was possible.
What I learned:
In the image at left, the light blue sky needed a touch of color in the rock. Not much, but just a bit. A Subject Mask, then pulling back on the Vibrance and Saturation until it felt complimentary to the light blue sky. Not color, not b/w, not toned, not false. Just a whisper of color to effect the mood of the image. Sweet. |
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