I agree with Walwyn on this. The goal is to produce an image and digital images have allowed us to add another step to the process. Those of us who didn't have access to a dark room didn't have the option of dodge and burn while processing. Digital has given it, and more, to us. Most of us made an exposure, sent it off to a lab and hoped for the best. Now we are in control and I believe that manupulation in PS or similar programs has moved photography to a new, higher level for most of us.
How many pro photaghers sandwiched slides to introduce "fake" elements into pictures? Geese flying across the moon sort of thing. Most of those shots are compilations of two or more shots. Surely that was manipulation. also?
I'm sure that we all still try to compose the picture, we consider DoF, try to focus sharpely, all of the traditional elements are still there but, to me we have moved way beyond that level and the post processing is just as important has capturing the original image.
Viva PS! (Wish I was better at using it).
|