Excessive use of post processing (Page 2): Wow, yes. That example there looks like a 1948 Post Card. The (over) processing is creating an almost posterized look with few colors (as if...

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Well Linda, before you know what you're doing, you... (show quote)

Wow, yes. That example there looks like a 1948 Post Card. The (over) processing is creating an almost posterized look with few colors (as if less than 8-bit).

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Bob Locher wrote:

My major interest in photography is scenics. I lov... (show quote)

In the day, there were mocking songs about Kodachrome because of its hyped-up color. Today post-processing can do the same thing. Yes, it is too phony for many tastes (including mine) and almost all high-end photography venues, unless done as part of the statement. However, there is an audience, among some amateur photographers and some galleries that sell such work to people who do like it.

I suppose photography is like music, types and audiences of all kinds.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Well Linda, before you know what you're doing, you... (show quote)

I suspect the "Good Work" has more to do with appreciating the courage to post images in the midst of critics and negativity. I like to show off my work and if I want help I'll ask for it.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

My major interest in music is Polka.

To my ear every other type of music is ugly.

I have nothing against the concept of other types of music, though I am far from a master of it.

Polka is always the best. The dancing, the beer, the accordion, the pretzels, sausage and kraut. I shiver with excitement.

Is this just me or do others share my view?

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

artBob wrote:

In the day, there were mocking songs about Kodachrome because of its hyped-up color. Today post-processing can do the same thing. Yes, it is too phony for many tastes (including mine) and almost all high-end photography venues, unless done as part of the statement. However, there is an audience, among some amateur photographers and some galleries that sell such work to people who do like it.

I suppose photography is like music, types and audiences of all kinds.

I never felt Paul Simon was mocking Kodachrome but if anything being romantic about it in a fun nostalgic song. But then my sense of sarcastic might be more towards extremes from listening to Frank Zappa, Jim Morrison, and Marilyn Manson too. I'm 63 and am much more open minded about music, liking most styles from 1925 to today. Though not a fan of Rap or CW, (have not given much thought to Polka

). I never liked Ektachrome.

FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County

[quote=bkyser]Completely agree. We all tend to think that "our way" is the only good way, ...

Well, of course MY way IS the only way - for me.
I live by the old CHines proverb, "opinions are like
assholes, everyone has one, and they all stink...
Except mine."

srt101fan

Linda From Maine wrote:

You are not the first - or the 50th - to voice this "concern" on this forum. Apparently you (and all who wrote the same thing before you) feel there is only one correct way to shoot or edit photos and that is your way. Why can't folks pursue and enjoy this hobby in whatever way they choose?

Linda, I don't think any of us are trying to impose a "one correct way to shoot or edit photos" on anybody. Folks should pursue whatever approach works for them.

But to some of us it is frustrating that there is so much emphasis given to visually aggressive images that rely less on content and more on garish colors. For instance, a lot of images of sunsets make me wonder what makes one different from another....

So, I have no problem with post-processing to whatever extent the photographer wants to do it. But too often the overdone images do not have enough content to maintain my interest. I just wish we could see more variety in photography - as there was in the old days!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Well Linda, before you know what you're doing, you... (show quote)

Nice shot, R.

My point has nothing to do with creative (or constructive) criticism of work that an individual has posted for feedback. My point is the number of people who feel entitled to complain about other people's interests and tastes in processing as if there is only one correct way.

One person's "bad habits" may be pleasing to someone else, and more importantly, may bring joy and satisfaction to the creator of the work. From my early days of exploring Topaz Simplify, I do have a few that make me cringe but many that I am still very fond of and certainly wouldn't consider changing just because someone else finds it overcooked or otherwise lacking.

The joy for me has been in the journey, much of it my own exploration and whatever interests me at the moment, and some of it satisfaction at achieving a certain goal with the input of thoughtful fellow travelers.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

srt101fan wrote:

... I just wish we could see more variety in photography - as there was in the old days!

Sounds like you're not spending enough time on UHH

Are you subscribed to all the specialty forums? Do you use "newest topics" to browse or rely solely on the digest? If there isn't enough variety in the sheer numbers posted every day to UHH, check out other sites. One that's far different from UHH is fredmiranda.com

srt101fan

Gene51 wrote:

Post processing comes in two varieties - to correc... (show quote)

srt101fan

CHG_CANON wrote:

My major interest in music is Polka.

To my ear every other type of music is ugly.

I have nothing against the concept of other types of music, though I am far from a master of it.

Polka is always the best. The dancing, the beer, the accordion, the pretzels, sausage and kraut. I shiver with excitement.

Is this just me or do others share my view?

I don't dance but beer and pretzels sounds good!!!

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Two schools of thought, both valid, though I don't agree with the OP because it's a blanket statement. I've seen post processed landscapes that I thought were overdone (not really a fan of blue green skies), but have seen others with even bolder colors that I thought were beautiful. One poster in the Photo Gallery recently posted a landscape that was hard to distinguish from a painting, but I thought it was beautiful, because of the composition and use of vivid colors. In the end it's a matter of individual taste. But in the words of Ricky Nelson, "See you can't please everyone so you've got to please yourself". It's not a polka but enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAHR7_VZdRw

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

bkyser wrote:

Completely agree. We all tend to think that "our way" is the only good way, because we like it. I prefer muted colors, yet there are many out there that think muted colors (desaturated) are ugly, so you just can't please everyone, or sometimes, you just can't please other photographers, while paying clients love your style.

Smudgey wrote:

Go get em Linda, isn't there room for all approaches and tastes in photography, from Ansel Adams to Andy Warhol. One persons taste may not be what I like, it is in the eye of beholder, come to think of it, thats what beauty is, In the eye of the beholder.

I admit that a little of my crankiness here has as much to do with the tendency these days to complain, complain, complain as it does with the subject of this particular thread. How many discussion topics a day in main forum are informative, inspiring, or reaching out to new photographers? Imagine if just once a month someone who was about to post the same ol' moan and groan would instead use his talent and energy to post something positive...(oops, it's been three months for me

)

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Bob Locher wrote:

But it is and should remain a means to an end, not the end itself.

Well, for you maybe. For me, that would be a no.

There are no “right or wrong” parameters for minimum or maximum amount of post-processing. There is no limit on how little or far a person wishes to exercise their creative vision. Others are free to then like or dislike the final result.

What gets annoying is the constant grousing by those who are in the minimal PP camp. It’s as if they believe that their persistent complaining will somehow get the rest of us to see the light and change our approach. Not going to happen.

I for one will live by the quote in my signature below. And, i’ll Be quite content to do so.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Bob Locher wrote:

My major interest in photography is scenics. I lov... (show quote)

Whatever floats somebodies boat, I think its all a thing of preference! Some people enjoy creating entirely new landscapes out of some pictures, because of the fun doing it. There is nothing wrong with doing that. There is simple photo enhancement and then there is the fun of letting your phantasie run wild! Like I said, whatever someone likes, go for it!