Is Creative Photo Editing Cheating?

in #photography6 years ago

I pointed out so many times in my previous posts that you don't have to be perfect photographer to get beautiful photo results. Composition, proper exposure, and sharp images are important because you need that foundation for limitless photo creations.
There is something more than you have to invest, and that is time and effort in mastering editing. Today's software's are opening the door to an unimaginable creativity.

You don't like that car behind you in a photo, you can erase it like it has never been there. Want a low key photo without using a softbox or special lighting, no problem, just use that selective editing magic.

Many people neglect long learning curve of editing, and after some time they ask themselves why they can't get that professional looking results, why are they getting blunt photos in spite of all the effort in nailing down the composition and exposure. The answer is more than obvious, you didn't do your editing homework, it is simple as that! Is creative editing cheating? The answer is: NO!

Not many professional photographers will admit that they are using software trickery, but they do, more often then hobbyists. Here are some examples of what results you can get using editing software.

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And these are originals out of camera


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Post processing is a huge part of making a photo. You don't take a photo, you make a photo. Someone very famous said that... I bet you know who :)

As far as I know it was Ansel Adams with that famous quote. Yes, but people (those that are not familiar with photography secrets) assume that everything has to be perfect out of camera...long time ago I was the one of them. Thank you!

Exactly, Ansel Adams... and apparently as he reprinted images over the years, they would change because "it's how I remember it feeling now". I love that!

The calla lily - spectacular!! Your photos are always amazing and you are a pro with editing....very creative. Love these!

Thank you dear!

I've been asking myself the same. but in your words sounds pretty legal. after all, it some knowlege and work to edit photograph

Without editing, at least basic corrections, photos are really dull. Even photographers in film era used some kind of editing, nothing wrong with that.

Wonderful close-up and colors !!

Hey, Di, how are you doing?