Opinion
SUMMARY
A photographer reflects on measuring improvement in their craft, noting that while best photos can be serendipitous, bad photos are inevitable. They propose that a true sign of photographic growth is the improved quality of rejected images. Early bad photos suffered from fundamental issues across settings, focus, and composition, whereas more recent rejects, while still flawed, demonstrate better technical execution and subject choice.
TAKEAWAYS
Improvement in photography can be gauged by the enhanced quality of rejected photos.
Best photographs may occur early in a photographer's journey and are hard to guarantee.
Bad photos are a constant, but their underlying issues should lessen with experience.
Analyzing rejected images from different periods reveals technical and compositional progress.