I’ve long maintained that Photoshop gets abused in the age of digital photography. Often you see photographs that have obviously had one too many filters applied to it in an effort to make it artsy. Additionally, some depend on it rather than worry about composition and exposure when taking the picture… and that’s what really bothers me. I’ve never considered myself an outstanding photographer but I try to do as little post-processing as possible. I don’t have any problems tweaking an image or fixing something that was unavoidable at the scene but how much is too much?
Below is an image I’ve altered using Photoshop. Dismissing that the photograph isn’t that great to begin with, I think it’s made at least somewhat better by my efforts shown on the left. (Disclaimer: I’m definitely not a Photoshop pro and everything I’ve learned is self-taught.) I’m of the opinion that my efforts may have actually gone too far. When does it stop becoming less about making the picture better and more about misrepresenting the subject? The weather was absolute crap that day and the picture I took was largely unimpressive. Am I cheating if my viewers don’t know any different? Is it okay as long as I’m the only one that knows? Comments encouraged.
I’m always torn on this one. Ive looked at some photos and really thought they were amazing while realizing they had a ton of post processing. Im not one to critique what images, be it photography, painting etc people enjoy, so if its heavily photoshopped and looks amazing to you, enjoy it. I think the issue of talent is completely separate. Waiting outside for the lighting and landscape to come together for a great shot, composing it well and taking the shot is much more difficult in my opinion than taking a mediocre shot and correcting it. For the most part though its not an argument worth having, is someone talented with photoshop and spends 2 hours correcting a picture less talented than someone who spends 2 hours composing a picture. If thats the case should you really be using the white balance, filter, aperture, and speed settings on your camera vs a pinhole camera? If you enjoy it use it.
Yes and no.
In the hands of someone who gives a damn, it’s a tool just as much as a darkroom is.
In the hands of an 18 year old girl (or my roommate)? Fuck, they do some heinous shit that angers me.