Post production enhancement - yes or no?

[MissPressa]

Hi everyone,

Am new to the forum so apologies if this has been discussed before.

I have just started getting into post-production editing of my pics using aperture 3. I am really enjoying seeing what is often a flat photo (due to light constraints etc) turn into something really quite special.

A photographer friend of mine though said that you should never do this as it is not the true image. I am curious to hear what the general consensus is about this and how much PP you all do. What is the difference in enhancing saturation to changing the exposure?

Should you disclose it all times? And what if you sell the prints?

If you are interested in seeing the photos of mine I'm referring to here is my flickr link:
Flickr: englishgirlabroad2010's Photostream

I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

[TheDarkReaver]

It can be argued that there is no such thing as a true image. Even what we see through our eyes on a daily basis may not be true.

[lputman]

An oft discussed topic. Personally, do what you like and forget everything else.

[IABoomer]

Originally Posted by lputman

An oft discussed topic. Personally, do what you like and forget everything else.

Unless you're a photojournalist submitting images to news publications. It's my understanding that those images should be edited as little as possible since heavy edits blur the distinction between documenting an event and artistic representation of an event.

But, outside that niche, edit away, but still try to get things as right as possible in the camera first.

[Cola]

Post processing is a digital form of development. While some people do go overboard with the photoshop stuff, it is still part of their vision. Back in the days of film, you could still alter photos in certain ways depending on the desired effect. Post processing on the computer is the modern day dark room. There is much more than can be done, sure, but if you have the technology to help you achieve your vision why not use it.

It is in the eye of the photographer. Have a look at Dave Hill's portraiture. It is very unique and spectacular, but I dare you to tell me its straight out of camera. He has shot countless bands/celebs and they come to him because of his unique style. His photo taking skills are amazing, but he compliments them with equal post processing skills.

Clicking the shutter is, in many cases, just the beginning of creating an image.

[Ottor]

Do what you have to do to create an image that's attractive - If people like your product, you've succeeded. It's pretty much that simple...

r

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by IABoomer

Unless you're a photojournalist submitting images to news publications. It's my understanding that those images should be edited as little as possible since heavy edits blur the distinction between documenting an event and artistic representation of an event.

But, outside that niche, edit away, but still try to get things as right as possible in the camera first.

Adding contrast isn't unethical. We do plenty of toning.

As long as it doesn't alter the content of the image or imply something untrue, it's fine. Most anything you can do in Aperture or Lightroom is within PJ ethics (even dust removal with the clone tool).

Choice of shutter speed affects the final image at least as much as most post processing.

[OsmosisStudios]

God, really, we're doing this again?

Post-processing is an integral part of just about every single image you see just about anywhere.

[Photologyst]

Even in the days of film, PP processing in the chemical darkroom was part of the artistry. Today, it’s done in the digital-lightroom.

You might want to suggest that your “purist” photographer friend study the methods of the most famous photographers past and present.

They all did and do PS processing.

[andyw]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

Even in the days of film, PP processing in the chemical darkroom was part of the artistry. Today, it’s done in the digital-lightroom.

You might want to suggest that your “purist” photographer friend study the methods of the most famous photographers past and present.

They all did and do PS processing.

Amen to that.