Can't you get better at your craft? This image- sent by "Outdoor Photographer" magazine today begs the question, "is the "before" image on the left

duck72 Loc: Laurel Ridge, PA

This image- sent by "Outdoor Photographer" magazine today begs the question, "is the "before" image on the left - or the "after" image on the right "better"?
Curious minds want to know.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

The one on the right is significantly better. There is just a bit more detail in the rocks on the left and far more clarity and color in the sky.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Same as asking with or w/o sugar...

TheDman Loc: USA

Post processing is part of the craft.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

duck72 wrote:

This image- sent by "Outdoor Photographer" magazine today begs the question, "is the "before" image on the left - or the "after" image on the right "better"?
Curious minds want to know.

it is all in the eye of the beholder. some things I do with my photos my wife would never do and visa versa.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

They certainly are different. "Better" depends on what look you are after. I think the example on the left appears more natural, more realistic, with a contemplative, serene feel, while the one on the right is more of an idealized, dramatic fantasy rendering of the scene. Perhaps I would have opted for something in between the two. Keep in mind, too much of the fantasy imagery, and your portfolio will look like an over-the-top comics book lacking in subtlety and realism.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Duck, I hear what you are saying but don't agree. Processed images are generally head and shoulder above the captured image. We do PP to bring out the finial image. This is much the same as we did in film. I had forgotten how much I did until I ran into my book of mark ups.

I pray you gain a better eye and understanding of what the finished product can look like.

J. R.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

CaptainC wrote:

The one on the right is significantly better. There is just a bit more detail in the rocks on the left and far more clarity and color in the sky.

:thumbup:

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Back when we all shot film of one kind or another some of us had darkrooms. You could take the film to any drugstore and get it made into prints and you were happy. Those of us who had a darkroom developed our own B&W negatives and made a test strip to see what we got. Then we would manipulate the negative while it's image was focused on a piece of sensitive paper and dodged, burnt in, etc until we got what we wanted.

What difference is there today? I suggest there is no difference in what we do just what we do it with.

Greg

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

CLF wrote:

Back when we all shot film of one kind or another ... (show quote)

Greg, you must be older than dirt like me !!! Wow, I clearly remember those dark-room days back in the mid 1960s "playing" around with Microdol-X, Dektol and Selectol, dodging and burning black and white prints. And the smell of all the dark-room chemicals. How can one forget. -FiddleMaker

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

CLF wrote:

Back when we all shot film of one kind or another ... (show quote)

Greg, you must be older than dirt like me !!! Wow, I clearly remember those dark-room days back in the mid 1960s "playing" around with Microdol-X, Dektol and Selectol, dodging and burning black and white prints. And the smell of all the dark-room chemicals. How can one forget. -FiddleMaker

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

FiddleMaker wrote:

Greg, you must be older than dirt like me !!! Wow, I clearly remember those dark-room days back in the mid 1960s "playing" around with Microdol-X, Dektol and Selectol, dodging and burning black and white prints. And the smell of all the dark-room chemicals. How can one forget. -FiddleMaker

FiddleMaker, older than dirt, maybe. Yeah the chemicals and all is what kept me from setting up another darkroom along with my asthma. My children always loved seeing the blank piece of paper all of a sudden have their face looking back at them. It was a great experience for the three of us.

Greg

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

CaptainC wrote:

The one on the right is significantly better. There is just a bit more detail in the rocks on the left and far more clarity and color in the sky.

You're right about the right.

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

The one on the right is better. It could be better still with some judicious color adjustments.

Jim Bob

CaptainC wrote:

The one on the right is significantly better. There is just a bit more detail in the rocks on the left and far more clarity and color in the sky.

That would be your opinion, of course. I agree with your comment on the rocks. However, the color of the sky in the "after" photo screams post processing color. I don't like it.