Perhaps I am a contrarian. I tire of all-too-perfect photographs. Life is messy, and the perfect can appear sterile.
Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate stunning, eye-catching images that knock my socks off. But often, I find that such photos do not adhere to one or more rules of composition or recommended guidelines for making an outstanding photograph. Instead, their imperfections make them more compelling.
The above photo would never win a prize in a camera club competition. I made it because I like my Zz plant and especially enjoyed seeing its shadow in the moment. I feel I captured that and more.
I like the complexity of the photograph. I like the rhythm of the curves of the Zz plant, its shadow, the drawing of leaves on the platter, and the pussy willow leaning in on the left. I like the sharp slant of light across the pink wall and how it bends forward across the gray stand.
Whether others like the photo is irrelevant to me. It is an image that whispers happiness to me each time I come across it.
I hope that you have many such appealing images in your photo collections.
