How much Post Processing is too much?

[Izzy]

This is a real question. I have seen lots of photos processed, some are interesting others like a great many HDR images are just way over done. I think HDRs should look like a real deal not a painting. I have always been of the school that the photograph should catch what the eye actually saw within reason.

There is a long list of processing techniques I don't care for that are popular for some reason. I will not get into them here.

My question is how much is too much for you?

[Photologyst]

Art is subjective. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

There is something for everyone, while variety is the spice of life.

[tingeliM]

I don't like the over-done HDRs either.
I'm not against "surreal" PP, though. I like to capture/create feelings, atmospheres rather than what the eye actually saw and PP comes in handy with that.

[OsmosisStudios]

It's not so much HOW MUCH, but WHAT KIND.

There are some techniques you can use that are just wrong, or misplaced.

[TheDarkReaver]

How long is a piece of string?

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

How long is a piece of string?

How high is the sky?

[wisena]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

Art is subjective. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

There is something for everyone, while variety is the spice of life.

I LOVE THIS !!!!

nice one bro'

actually i've never done any post processing, for me it ruins the truth of the pictures itself

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by wisena

I LOVE THIS !!!!

nice one bro'

actually i've never done any post processing, for me it ruins the truth of the pictures itself

I am a dudess and not a "bro."

Actually, if you are taking digi photos, your camera already has done lots of processing for you.

I always try to process for what I saw or the mood of the venue. My own, personal truth, if you will.

Chacun à son goût!

Whatever floats your boat.

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

How long is a piece of string?

Just about that long...

[Chaotic Beds]

I'm all for variety. All (most?) schools of thought on the matter have their merits. I appreciate both the traditional and the experimental, realism and surrealism, and most everything in-between. Different styles have their own places, their own messages, their own effects on people, require their own skills, etc.

I think every art form goes through similar processes.

To do some devil's advocating here: if you feel photography is about catching what the eye sees, then are you against black and white photos? Even a "color blind" person still sees colors (usually?). The subtle HDRs are better at reproducing reality than the traditional black and white photo...