Photo Manipulation, Your thoughts?

[harrypalmer044]

I was wondering what people thought about photo manipulation with regards to being part of this hobby of mine? I for one see it as another avenue in the Digital Photography world that I for one like to travel down and see what I can learn. I know some folks feel this is not for them and that's cool too but what do you think. I have included an image I attempted to play around with today to see what you thought about the subject. I would love to see what the super people on here think about it.

Crich Stand - Derbyshire.

[SoxAddict]

Beautiful work David. not only on the photo itself, but the additional manipulation. No doubt you'll get the whole run of answers here from those who don't want any part of manipulation to those who can't get enough of it for their own shots. I think the beauty of any hobby is that it doesn't have to be the same for all people with that hobby - whatever floats your boat, I say!

I think the advent of the digital image age, and all its ancillary computer-manipulated possibilities, has given us a whole new avenue to explore if we so wish. That's a great thing in my book - it adds an extra avenue for those who wish to explore extra routes! This kind of stuff is fun for me - it lets me step outside my comfort zone with no risk really!

[Preacherman]

It's an art form David. I notice in some of your recent posts you have been using "Beauty in the eye of the beholder". I can't think there would be many who wouldn't see this as an offshoot of photography with more merits than de-merits. I for one love the 'feel' of the work.

[martha36]

That is a gorgeous image - I can see it blown up big on a wall somewhere.

As far as digital manipulation goes, I used to be quite the ludite, dead set against it. And I still am happy and sometimes aim for photos that I don't do any PP to. To me, that is a true photograph. But, then again you think of darkroom work, especially with b/w, and that's manipulation, too.

Sometimes I feel like playing around digitally, and honestly some of the ones that I've gotten the best feedback for have been pretty worked, but when I was working them I wasn't thinking photography, it is more of an artistic vision.

I think you just have to stay true to what you want to see.

[beachcomber]

I think photo manipulation is a legitimate and artistic interpretation of the original picture.
Crich Stand looks like a very professional picture competently created and presented, well done Dave

[VegasMike]

David that is a beautiful shot. I like what you have done in post with it, too. For me, I often enjoy trying different things in post just to see what the end result is. Sometimes I even like the end result. I do try to start with an image that may be able to stand on it's own, such as you have with this one. I think the availability of all of the different types of image software and associated plugins allow people to become somewhat more artistic. While it's always a great feeling to get approval of your work, the bottom line is are you happy with it? Thanks for sharing this one my friend.

Mike

[harrypalmer044]

Originally Posted by SoxAddict

Beautiful work David. not only on the photo itself, but the additional manipulation. No doubt you'll get the whole run of answers here from those who don't want any part of manipulation to those who can't get enough of it for their own shots. I think the beauty of any hobby is that it doesn't have to be the same for all people with that hobby - whatever floats your boat, I say!
I think the advent of the digital image age, and all its ancillary computer-manipulated possibilities, has given us a whole new avenue to explore if we so wish. That's a great thing in my book - it adds an extra avenue for those who wish to explore extra routes! This kind of stuff is fun for me - it lets me step outside my comfort zone with no risk really!

Nicky, could not agree with you more, I think its all subjective anyway, your right and in the end what ever makes you happy is a good thing. Thanks for joining in and taking a look. So pleased you like this manipulation

Originally Posted by Preacherman

It's an art form David. I notice in some of your recent posts you have been using "Beauty in the eye of the beholder". I can't think there would be many who wouldn't see this as an offshoot of photography with more merits than de-merits. I for one love the 'feel' of the work.

Paul, good to hear from you as always, I remember the old saying "The camera never lies" well that's gone out the window now, I like the idea of being able to play around with an image and try to get the best out of it but I don't want to take it so far from the original that it misses the point. I see a lot of folks on here asking what they should do to an image to make it better> Personally I think all that matters is what makes them happy and makes them feel they have managed to get the best out of the image. Works for me anyway.

Originally Posted by martha36

That is a gorgeous image - I can see it blown up big on a wall somewhere.

As far as digital manipulation goes, I used to be quite the ludite, dead set against it. And I still am happy and sometimes aim for photos that I don't do any PP to. To me, that is a true photograph. But, then again you think of darkroom work, especially with b/w, and that's manipulation, too.

Sometimes I feel like playing around digitally, and honestly some of the ones that I've gotten the best feedback for have been pretty worked, but when I was working them I wasn't thinking photography, it is more of an artistic vision.

I think you just have to stay true to what you want to see.

Hello Martha, first of all "Thank You" for taking the time to join in with this thread and also your kind comment about this image. In one way or another we all "Manipulate" our images to one extent or another and as long as what you end up with resembles your original in one way or another then that's cool. In the end it's all art I suppose, am I an artist or photographer? who knows all I know is it makes me feel good as someone who could not draw to save his life to go out, see something I like, take a photo and create something out of that image. If in the end others like it too then that's a good day. Thank you for stopping by
David.

[Chewys Dad]

I think your Digital Expression in this one is Wonderful! I would be wonderful hanging on a wall in a restaurant or a mall somewhere or even in my Livingroom; .l.o.l

After reading how much post processing Ansel Adams did in his dark room the other day in an article on this site, I convinced that some purists have a misconception about post processing. To me it's part of the enjoyment of the Digital process and I personally want to continue to learn more about how to manipulate my Digital photo's to add impact to them.
Thanks for sharing this my Friend!
Michael

[FoG]

Really nice PP work would like to see it without the background etc as would make a nice focal art workl for a wall

[harrypalmer044]

Originally Posted by beachcomber

I think photo manipulation is a legitimate and artistic interpretation of the original picture.
Crich Stand looks like a very professional picture competently created and presented, well done Dave

Steve, you know how much I admire you images and you as a person and friend. You have always inspired me to make the most out of my work on here and if I could halfway come close to your beautiful images then the reading books, studying on line and going out in all weathers will have been worth it. Thanks for being there not just for me but all those who admire your work.

Originally Posted by VegasMike

David that is a beautiful shot. I like what you have done in post with it, too. For me, I often enjoy trying different things in post just to see what the end result is. Sometimes I even like the end result. I do try to start with an image that may be able to stand on it's own, such as you have with this one. I think the availability of all of the different types of image software and associated plugins allow people to become somewhat more artistic. While it's always a great feeling to get approval of your work, the bottom line is are you happy with it? Thanks for sharing this one my friend.

Mike

Hey Mike, again "Thank You" for your support and positive thoughts on the subject. I agree that software and technology have now made it easier for us all to access the very best in our work but in the end I still think you need an eye for the subject to see what it is you want to capture in an image. I have learnt so much on this site from some amazing people, that in itself has helped me to manipulate the very best I can out of my camera.
Thanks for being a friend.