Backyard rabbit at water feature
I doubt if any photographer makes exceptional images every time the shutter release is pressed – I certainly know that I don’t. But I see many aspiring photographers who post images on the web who are unwilling or are unable to be honest about the quality of their own work.
I see a lot of people “explain” a substandard image with a statement such as “you take what you can get.” True, as far as it goes. But that ignores some things:
- you don’t need to show it even if you took it
- spending more time with the subject might have resulted in a better quality image
- digital shooting is essentially free, so keep taking shots and toss out the bad ones later
- toss out all the bad ones even if that means every shot if you will have a similar opportunity again
Rather than rely on excuses, be honest about every image. This rabbit makes a cute shot, and my wife likes this image a lot. But I know it isn’t up to my normal standards of sharpness, the colors aren’t quite right, and the bird droppings on the water feature are a distraction.
Recognizing what is wrong with your image quality is the first step to doing better the next time!
1/20th second at f/5, ISO 640, 300/2.8, shot through patio door glass in gloomy natural light
