You're Cheating!!!?

Question

I was just wondering what are the limits for editing in photography-what is too much editing considered? Especially with all the new software and programs you can do to enhance photography has it gotten to the point that a shot taken without editing is non existant straying away from cropping, but editing the contrast the color the direction angle all of these things done on the computer has it gotten too inorganic or is a movement that should be appreciated in essence is it progressing but still keeping the charm or has photography become something else entirely?

Answer 1

That's a good question. I would say it depends on what you as a photographer believe. Are you trying to be an artist or something commercial? Also remember that the computer is just a tool, and editing is an art in itself.

And to answer your question, there are plenty of purists still around who don't use anything digital. Myself, I use both new digital cameras and old school techniques, depending on what my intent is for the particular shot or project.

Answer 2

Ansel Adams perhaps the greatest spokesperson on the side of straight photography was quoted as saying ,"Not everybody trusts paintings, but people believe photographs."
That being said there is certainly truth to what was said, people do in fact have a tendency to equate photography to truth. If we didnt believe in this statement the whole field of photo journalism wouldnt exist. However, it is sort of a hypocritical statement on behalf of Adams as he went through great efforts to manipulate his images in the camera and in the darkroom. If you are familiar with Adams famous concept and practice called the zone system (previsualization of an image) this practice really reflects more of the artist vision and imagination rather than the truth of the situation, just consider all the variations of the photo "moonrise over hernandez"..will anyone ever truly know what that moment looked like other than ansel himself?
Even when we examine photojournalism, we can find manipulation of the image. As objective a witness as a camera and a photojournalist is suppose to be, sometimes the sheer fact that a human is behind the camera guarantees some manipulation of the image. Take for example that famous photograph of Saddams statue being toppled over. In the photograph it looks as if the whole city has poured in to topple the statue. However, had the photographer used a wider angled lens, or perhaps shot the scene from a distance, you would see a whole different story emerging.
So has photoshop caused photography to lose its charm or essence? No. Since the birth of photography, manipulation has always been a tool which has been available to the photographer. I enjoy photographers like Jerry Uelsmann who uses all kinds of photo manipulations for the fact that he brings to the forefront that a photo isnt always about the truth of the moment, but is also about the photographers vision in that brief 1/60 of a second as the shutter opens and closes.
As for photography losing its charm to Photoshop and digital imaging, perhaps you are somewhat correct. The problem and danger with digital imaging and photoshop is ease and speed to which we can create a image. On this note I end with a quote by Ansel. "I have often thought that if photography were difficult in the true sense of the term -- meaning that the creation of a simple photograph would entail as much time and effort as the production of a good watercolor or etching -- there would be a vast improvement in total output. The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster."

Answer 3

My daughter finished her professional photography certificate in June. She had to submit a portfolio. One of the photo show a rock formation, it was taken on a day that was overcast. They criticized her because of the colour of the sky. Well what was she supposed to do. Edit until the sky was blue? Unless a photographer choose to edit the hell out of a picture, I believe it should be left alone to show the truth. Life is not perfect and should be shown in it's true colours, right?

Answer 4

In professional photography and photojournalism, if you alter the original photo any and don't state that it has been altered and how, your reputation is pretty much screwed. Software nowadays has destroyed the adage that "the camera doesn't lie".
And entirely too many photographers are getting caught at the game. The credibility of the profession is in danger of being severely damaged.

Answer 5

I believe the art of photography is just that. There are still people who refuse to use digital cameras or use digital techniques to edit or enhance photos. Large format cameras cannot be replaced by digital forms, and still there are other types of cameras that just cannot be replaced digitally, with the quality and artistry of film.

I believe that digital cameras have enabled free lance artists to create their own works of art, but I also believe that digital processing is a sepearate area of the art form.

Answer 6

It all depends on what you are trying to do. You can stick to purist photography if you want, but if you took the picture with something in mind, then you can do what you want.

What is the difference between playing with a picture on Adobe and putting specialized filters on your camera?

But you don't modify another's work and call it your own.

Answer 7

True photography is an Art by itself.
The new Digital photography is also an Art with new proportions and horizons where you can create what you can not produce in the camera.

Answer 8

I have a friend who is a model. She has lots of freckles that make her look cute. But sometimes they airbrush her freckles out and she looks almost plastic! She hates when they do that.

Here's a pic of her with her freckles:
http://genevievemorrison.com/photobook/SELF-8.jpg

And here are picsof her without:
http://static.flickr.com/90/264093325_2f34d335bb.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/61/264093914_3585d2b4cc.jpg?v=0

Answer 9

As long as you do not misrepresent it, I say do whatever you want!

Answer 10

you are correct