The Glory of "Mistakes"

 This image was a mistake  It should not look this good.

Bark Snow Branch

I reveled in the pre-sunset light on a ridge above Greenfield, MA.  I thought my camera was set for automatic exposure when I captured the multiple exposure above, layering three shots on top of each other in the camera.  However, since the camera was actually set to determine the exposure manually, technically some of the layers were underexposed, which happily allowed for a smooth blending of textures.

I am Light

I later captured the same three subjects with the proper exposure. However, unlike my "accident", the result looked like mush. Running the file through a serious Photoshop filter fortunately made for this pleasing result:

Black Sheep

The image below records my footsteps as I captured the images.

Photographicus Americanus Tracks

I teach the Zentangle method of drawing. We use special pencils that have no eraser,  a physical reminder that there are no mistakes. Life does not come with an eraser.

Perhaps this spiritual artistic training allowed me to continue reveling and creating, rather than berating myself for making an "error".

John Nordell teaches courses in the Visual and Digital Arts Program at American International College in Springfield, Mass. He blogs about the creative process at CreateLookEnjoy.com   Instagram: @john.nordell

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