Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

Yesterday I saw here on UH an argument about how photography purists claim that they never use post processing and how all the creativity should be done when the picture is taken. The truth is that nearly all famous photographers have used some kind of Post Processing, Ansel Adams would spend hours or even weeks in the darkroom burning and dogging over and over, in order to get the final photo exactly the way he wanted it. Yousuf Karsh, and Alfred Eisenstaedt would do the same just as most famous photographers of this century have. Digital is no different except it is far more extensive and allows ones artistic endeavors to expand much further than ever before. Post Processing is simply a tool no different than the aperture and shutter speed setting on your camera.
Example — I created this photo ( A Higher Power) from Two different photos taken thousands of miles and two years apart. The two photos separately were at best just OK but are much stronger when put together in PP. Photoshop - Topaz - On1 are just a few PP programs that will allow you to go artistically as far as you want. If your choice is to not use PP, thats fine, but don’t stand on your soapbox and put down people that do. Photography is an Art, not just a record.

A Higher Power

(Download)

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Yawn. This needed a separate thread?

Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

Thank you for your constructive and intelligent comment.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Wholeheartedly agree with you, Smudgey

tdekany Loc: Oregon

I have never seen a claim like that where the poster could produce a decent picture. I guess they want to get "any" attention they can get. They can not possibly believe that their snap shots could hold up to a well processed example. Have you noticed that there is never an example posted to prove their point?

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

And right there is our difference of opinion. My serious photography began when I began noticing at a young age {a teenager} that the world I knew was changing
* living things grow
* dead things decay
* nothing remains the same
so for fifty years I have been recording the world I know "today" because I expect it to be different "tomorrow".

We should be allowed to respond to different motivations without turning the discussion into something that looks like a Holy War.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Hi Smudgey - great picture. When you combine two photos - would you still call the result a photo - or would you call it a picture? Perhaps it is time to think of a new noun for such art?
PS - did you try putting the moon between the statues hands? Del.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Tuesday I am going to a painting and drawing group... year... many..... too many since I was a painter. I am taking a photo B&W distorted by several successive post "art" programs and printed on Polar Pearl Metallic by Redriver inc.

The woman was sitting at a group food fest here all others were wearing warm clothing... she was fanning herself... Menopause.... her face was distressed.... The subject, programs, their use, and the paper all go together to make a work of art that would otherwise simply be a photo of a woman in discomfort with competing colors and background.... a So-What photo to a Wow-Emotion-Provoking work of art focused on the woman in anguish.

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

DUH!

nikonboy Loc: Apple Valley, MN and Pine Island, Florida

I would love to see the photo of that lady if you'd care to post it.

I happen to believe creativity can be displayed in post processing. Call it a photo or call it art, it is a real part of digital photography. Some will deny it, but that does not change the fact. It is here and I am glad of it. I love the photo the OP posted.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nice!

donrosshill Loc: Delaware & Florida

Regardless of what you produce, it is still an IMAGE. Photograph, Painting, Digital Art, Etc. They are all IMAGES.
We produce Images as an expression of what we want to present.

cthahn

If you were a 35mm color slide photographer, there was only on chance to get it right.