A Failed Idea.

[AcadieLibre]

Over the last few days I have had an idea for a photo in my head and did the photo ever look good in my imagination. So I gave it a lot of thought for a couple of days deciding how to best set it up. I was up early today and started on the task at hand. I did the original set up, placed the lights, hung the item how I wanted and then took the photo, was not impressed. So back to the drawing board and over the rest of the day and into the evening I was back there often. I hung it at different angles and came up with several ways to hang it to get a different perspective for the shot. I arranged various lights in any and every way I could think and took a few dozen shots. In the end still was not happy. I realized in the end the photo as I wanted it was not going to happen and the idea was much better then the end product.

That being said I learned a lot. I came up with a method where I can float items at different angles and at different heights. I used every light I had and tried varying lighting groupings, light intensity, different filters, and angles. Although I spent a day and did not end up with a single photo that I was happy with I did find out many solutions to other issues I have come across in the past. The photos were well done but average in appearance the item just was not going to look how I wanted no matter the effort but I am glad I tried in the end.

I am just posting this to tell newer photographers and maybe some experienced ones that just because I failed in my attempt to get a specific photo I learned a lot by just trying. Failing is not a bad thing if you learn from it. You need to try your best to get the vision you have. I almost gave up about half way but I looked around and realized there were other options for me to try and unless I tried it would irritate me later on so why not just give it a shot the worse thing I could do was fail. Failure is not defeat, it is just time now to move on to other ideas and now I have more knowledge than I had when I awoke this morning.

[Runmonty]

Thanks for sharing that AL.

To me you have clearly illustrated the message of the value learning from the process. However, I also appreciate the post from another couple perspectives.

As a less experienced photographer (and certainly less skilled), I sometimes get frustrated at not being able to achieve the image I had hoped for. It is comforting to hear that sometimes even those that are more adept at the craft don't always achieve their intended results.

I also think you have also demonstrated the thought and the work that that goes into the creative process. I think sometimes people expect exceptional results without putting in the thought and effort.

Thanks

[Mad Aussie]

Failing is not a bad thing if you learn from it.
Or ... If you learn from it ... you haven't failed at all!

Great lesson A.L. I'm sure many will profit from this.

[Marko]

Thanks for Sharing that A.L. - valuable lessons for sure.

[Iguanasan]

And yet another echo to the sentiment. Thanks for sharing.

[Barefoot]

Excellent post.

[bucket]

A great and inspiring post. Thank you for sharing your experience. A lot of good photographers go through this kind of experience to know better about their styles and techniques. Experience is the best teacher of all.