Ugly/Pretty

Okay, I admit - I'm a huge fan of America's Next Top Model. Without going into too much detail about my obsession, I'll say that there is one theme that resonates really well with me. It's about “ugly/pretty”. What does that mean? Well, essentially, it means that even things with a less than a sunny/shiny/pretty context can still be pretty.

Confusing, huh? Well, I'll illustrate. Here is “pretty/pretty”:



Or this:



In both pictures the weather is great, the sun is shining, and life is good. The colors are nice, and they're just happy pictures.

Now, here is a classic example of “ugly/pretty”:



This was the night before one of DC's infamous snowstorms last year. I was in a terrible mood. I stood on my balcony and took dozens of pictures. I was surprised to see how well received this picture was, though. And, now that I think about it, I still focused on composition and telling a story - but it isn't the same happy story I like to tell. And that's a REALLY important message.

Compare it with this picture, which was also of the snow:



I think it's obvious (to me, anyway) from this picture that I don't like the snow. If I did, I think it would have come through, so to speak. Instead, this is just a generic picture of the snow with two people and a dog. Not bad, but others (as in people) have done much better.

I have to keep all of this in mind, as we head towards winter. I hate this weather. So, I normally don't take many pictures. However, I can't go six months (or however long it will be before the weather is actually civilized again) without taking pictures, so I have to balance between my emotions and reality.

In other words, if you don't think you like a subject, take a picture anyway. You may surprise yourself! Just stay true to your emotions, be realistic, don't forget your composition, and tell a good story.

Till tomorrow!