You like or you don't most buy it if they like it enough . I do requests if someone wants to a print and they want this or that removed I do it . My work I make as close to what I saw as if a Painter who has control over his brushes and tools . I paint with light and color If I drastically alter the image it is self evident but still called "altered states"as in the image below self evident not a real photo it has been altered drastically even the file says final fractals .Its origin was a photograph it is evident its is no longer .

I am sorry please do not misunderstand what I meant . I did say if I had taken it I would have put it in recycle which is represented as a trash can on my desktop not my choice but Microsoft . But it would have been one of many as if I really wanted the shot I would have done it in bracket and under exposed it purposely to save the sky even if overcast or used fill flash if you didn't know the people then of course no flash . . I don't like blown highlights it means I failed . I also would have made more attempts till I nailed It .

A lot had been discussed about how the final image should be shown and I personally put them into these four categories.

SOOC (straight out of camera):
- is an output that can either be a RAW, JPEG or combination of both. RAW vs JPG are hotly debated but we wont go there. My own personal experience taught me that they both have their use and preferring one over the other is really limiting the cameras capability.
- In the real world application, I believe that SOOC output are better suited as PROOF files. This are "Base" files suited as starting points for editing or the full opposite of never to be touched and be representative of reality for News, journalism, family & journey snap shots.


Processed:
- From the older times of film, Processing is mainly developing, adjusting saturation, exposure, cropping then printing. We will therefore use this as the basis of our present meaning and usage.
- Sharpening, converting images from color to monochrome, selective color, black & white.
- Use of RAW reader/converter & similar softwares such as Lightroom is mainly processing and possibly Soft Editing.
- In processing, the aim is just to show a good/best representation of the SOOC file.


Edited:
- A step beyond processing, editing introduces changes to image elements of the SOOC file.
- Editing can be further divided to Soft and Hard edit.
- Changes in relationships between elements such as using lens correction, stretching, perspective & horizon adjustments can be attributed as Soft edit.
- Removal of pimples, strings, power lines, and other light improvements are still regarded as soft edit.

- Hard edit consist of individually adjusting elements partly or whole within the image such as; removing scars, creating background or artistic blur, using liquefy to make eyes bigger, smaller tummy etc.
- Removing elements via cloning other parts of the image and adding decorative elements such as borders, text/signature and the like.
- Editing has a broad coverage but generally it is meant to visually improve the hero element by adjusting it and/or the elements supporting the hero. Editing is best for portraits & product shoots.


Manipulated;
- There is a broad grey line between Hard Edit and Manipulating an image so we judge where an image belong by the percentage of treatment. As one becomes more proficient, the dividing line between the two becomes clearer.
- Generally speaking, manipulate is when we add none native elements into the photo which (adversely) alters its truth. This also include radically changing the elements within the image itself by moving, coloring, texturing and so on.
- Manipulation is when the realities of the photo takes less importance and gives way to creative juices and imagination, hence manipulation is most seen on Advertising and Creative endeavors.

In conclusion, I desire to share these hopefully to help improve capacity to understand, show or purpose an image seen or created. As an example, I conclude by the above that it is too judgmental and limiting to believe that only SOOC images matter as we can see that every output has a purpose to which they are suited for and excel at. Likewise that it would be an abomination to present an edited or more so, a manipulated image as news.
Finally, i must clarify that the above is not canon nor generally accepted. These are my point of view based on my own xperience in the field.