If you really want to make a photographer cringe . . . show them their work from a couple of years ago. Or more. The further you go back, the more we want to hang our heads in shame.

It is not that our work was so terrible. Okay, it is not so terrible except in our eyes. As time goes on, a good photographer continues to get better with how they compose and edit an image. Everyone has to start somewhere but you want to avoid the ones that just stay there.

I was reminded of this when I attended a recent workshop (reached after a 10-hour drive!) where the photographer instructing us is a master of composition and does a lot of high school athletes. We learned a lot about how certain images require two things: advanced lighting techniques and serious Photoshop skills. Fortunately for me, I have what it takes. I don’t say that to brag. I have acquired certain gear and skills in my industry as any professional should. It has taken time and it has taken money. But it has taken me to a new level.

So two years ago, in 2022, I photographed this young lady, the idea being I would extract her and place her in a composition. This was the montage I made then:

It’s not bad . . . but it’s not polished. I used a premade template and just stuck a bunch of heads in there. Looking at it now - major cringe. I can see things that just scream, well, now, isn’t this a hot mess?

After getting home from my workshop, I went back and revisited the pictures I took of her. While I would likely use different lighting, I took the time to rebuild her montage.

And I like this result a whole lot more:

For a child serious about his or her sports, the latter is one to hang in their room to show them that they are a rock star. You know, the famous Swiss psychologist, Jean Piaget, observed that what we perceive as playtime for children is a very serious endeavor for them. Play time is how a child takes in the world around them and learns - so a montage to celebrate their achievements should be approached as seriously because it means a lot to them.

Did the second montage take more time? Yes, of course. Did I apply new skills learned? You betcha.

Is the first one still cringe-worthy? Oh, heck to the yeah - but at least it is a thing of the past.