Brooks Jensen Arts


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


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When Processing Is the Key

Being out in the world with our camera is fun, but processing is what makes an image rise to the level of personal expression. This week will concentrate on processed images — some subtly, some radically.

What I saw that I liked:

Love the leaf.

What I don't like in the picture:

In the original capture, there a a few distracting green stalks.

What I learned:

Using the Color Mixer, I just desaturated the green stalks and they blend into the background. That means that the solitary leaf gets center stage all by itself.

2nd Chances: What I might try next

Maybe a mixed color on this one with the leaf in color and everything else in b/w?