A photograph is usually thought of as an instant in time. But sometimes it can be part of a progression, a step in a series of decisions and actions that lead to the final image. This is my attempt to capture a “minimalist” photo for the Ukiah Photography Club’s August 2022 theme. Distant boats through the fog, with rocks in the foreground to add context. Meh.

Then nature intervened – a flock of pelicans! Less minimalist but maybe more interesting. The boat behind the birds – distracting. The film photographer in me says it’s my fault, but this is digital, which has its own morality.

A little post-processing. Square to emphasize the vastness of the sky and because . . . square! Get rid of that boat. Lighten it up a little. A masterpiece!

Maybe not. It looks like there is a pelican missing on the left. Crop it tighter. Nice balance with the dark rocks on the left and the dark waves on the right. I like the way the water fades into the sky. I’ll show this to the Club.

The “artist” in the group, the one with “talent” who claims to be from “Germany”, isn’t crazy about the square – too static, the birds lack a sense of movement. The consensus is that the crop is too tight. Maybe they’re right. Back to the drawing board (computer).

The left pelican no longer uncomfortably close to the edge. Flight with an apparent destination. The 16:9 aspect ratio stretches it out. The “artist” likes it!

Who has the last say here? The dark chunk of rock on the right is too much. I still want the expansive sky. A more conventional 8×10 reduces rock and adds sky. Now the balance is between the dark rocks on both sides.We maintain the movement and the indistinct horizon. One more thing. Brighten it up a little more but maintain the cold coastal feeling. This is the final final (until I change it again).