I just recently overheard a self-described “purist” photographer ranting on about how we’re all cheaters and that the photographic masters before us lacked our current luxury–even desire–to “customize” (read: manipulate/photoshop) images. It was “…all about the the composition, a beautiful subject, and a properly exposed picture”.
I call horse-pucky.
Above: Avedon’s instructions to his printer.
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i think photoshop is a great tool when used responsibly, however it is also a dangerous tool, one that has been misused very publicly, subsequently- and irreparably-damaging public attitude towards photography/photographers.
I have to agree with most of you! Retouching in some shape or form has always existed. Those of us who printed in darkroom know retouching well.
I read through a book on the British Royal family not too long ago (of course I can't remember what its called right now). It had plenty of classic film printing manipulation in it. Not just D&B;, I'm talking removing objects, people, replacing heads, wrinkles and more.
However, I don't want to seem like a hypocrite, but I disagree with alot of what is going on these days in the media and what is being taught in school. I draw the line when an image has been manipulated so much that it no longer resembles the original. Like any other, retouching is a tool. I gave a brief demo at a college in Montreal and I was shocked to hear a majority of students say at one point "oh I cant fix that in Photoshop later!"
It should be a tool used to add and enhance not replace good photography!
Thats are my two cents!
Dave, those are dodge/burn/retouch instructions. Not that I can interpret them for you… Anyone have a link to the final result?
To assume that the Ansel Adams' or Alfred Eisenstaedts' of the world didn't fret over the nuances of their photos is crazy. What is Adams' Zone System if not a way to "manipulate" the final image.
Completely agree… http://darrennewbery.com/blog/2009/07/thats-not-real-photography/