Contrasts and Comparisons. Changing for the better

There is a saying in the photography world that goes like this "the only photographer you should compare yourself to, is the one you used to be"
Photography is about learning and improving, constantly.  You simply cannot pick up a camera and start shooting.  There is so much more to it that pushing a button.  I look back over some of my old work, and can see what I did wrong, or how I could have done it better.  The other day, I looked up at my wall and saw this...

And while I like this picture just fine.  I now see the flaws.  I used a flash, so there is an obvious shadow.  We also did this on a day she wasnt feeling well.  I was never fully satisfied with this session.  So we did a retake.

 I am not ashamed to say I am not perfect, and my photography still has room for improvement.


However, if you look at the two images, you will see there has been drastic improvement.  The top image was taken October 2011, the bottom was taken yesterday.  For you non photographers that arent trained to notice whats wrong, I will point them out.
The top image is too red, her arms look sunburned.  The backgound leaves alot to be desired, as its just carpet and the fireplace.  The bottom image is created using directional lighting, with no flash.  The color is perfectly balanced for what I was trying to create.

Ugh shadows! Bad lighting, shadows and poor color balance is to blame for this image.  I am more than happy to see just how much I have improved. Its a little bit embarrassing to see what I thought was good just a short time ago.  I hope I can continue to look back on images like this, and see how I am improved, and continue to learn and grow as a photographer and artist.

And lastly, I think what I have learned the most is about Stylizing the session. Bringing in the right props, and the right backgrounds, and the right setting to make magic.
Photography has so many aspects to it.  Its about so much more than just pushing a button.  Its about learning, and striving to be better.  There is never an end to the knowledge you must attain to be a photographer. This knowledge does not come easy either.  It comes only with alot of hard work, dedication, and sometimes utter failure.  I wouldnt trade a second of it.  Success comes from failure.  From learning from your mistakes.  And I am happy to say, I am a better photographer because of my own failures.  I will continue to strive to be better, and continue on my quest for knowledge!