Just a post about my basic thoughts on the use of Post-processing on photographs. Obviously these points are just my opinion and I completely understand that some may strongly disagree with my comments.
Many years ago when I began photography we all were using film cameras where unless you were lucky enough to have access to full darkroom facilities you took the photographs, sent them away to be bulk processed and accepted the results. I was fortunate to have the use of a darkroom and spent many an hour developing and printing my own films. Amazing how much was learnt in the processing of black and white prints. Exposure adjustment, contrast, dodging and burning etc were all part of the procedure and some great effects could be made in this "after camera" period and I am glad that I was privileged to gain this experience. Of course slide or transparency film was different, I did process some but most I sent off to Kodak and awaited expectantly the return of the little plastic box. Once I had taken the shot the process was out of my hands and there was no such thing as enhancement once the shutter had clicked. The skill here was using the camera to capture the shot, correct exposure, film speed settings etc had to be spot on.
How things have moved on...the digital age is here and almost everyday and new camera is developed with high megapixels, extreme ISO ratings and many other features which would have been unheard of just a few decades ago.
Now don't get me wrong, I am fully embracing of this technology and all it brings to the field of photography but oh how I would love to see my old Olympus OM1 just converted from film to digital with a decent sensor and a bit of an ISO rating of say 64 to maybe 1200 and just one or two digital settings. Impractical I know, but just a thought.
As for the post-processing of digital images that we see now my thoughts are quite simple. Contrary to what some may think, I have absolutely no problem with the full use of facilities such as Lightroom or Photshop in fact I use these programmes myself (currently PS Elements 10). What I do have a problem with is the obvious poor restraint used by some in the use of these programmes. To me you need to begin with a good photograph captured "in camera" then, with the tools provided in Lightroom the file can be enhanced to bring out it's full potential. In my opinion the trick here is to produce a final photograph that retains a full natural look. I am here talking about images which are aimed at the traditional type of look, I fully appreciate that there are some wonderful abstract and arty photographic works out there which have been produced with the clever use of filters and effects.
Poor post-processing skills show, sometimes in subtle ways sometimes more obvious. Over saturation of sunset or sunrises seems to be a classic, yes sure, if you feel the need to add a little more colour then fine but don't let your finger slip on the saturation slide. It only takes a tweak to go from the stunning to the ridiculous. I also have issue with adjustments that have been made to some landscapes which leave horizons with a halo or a false pale rim. I have no idea how this effect is achieved in post processing but it can easily ruin a decent shot. I could go on....
Am I starting to sound like a grumpy old git? I don't mean to. I love great photograph and admire those who take shots which make you look more than once. I aspire to their level to which I will probably never reach but we all must have a target in life. If they have used post processing cleverly then I shouldn't notice it.
In conclusion lets use all the technology available but lets not get carried away. I get a thrill from seeing skilful stunning shots on Facebook, Flickr etc but you overdo the enhancement then don't expect too many likes from me (unless you have done it for art-effect ;) ). In the next few weeks I will be sharing links on my Facebook page with some of those whose work I admire. Do come and take a look.
Thank you for listening, feel free to comment.
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