Idaho Wheat
Yesterday’s post created quite a stir on my Facebook page. It’s obvious that people have very strong feelings regarding the use of Photoshop in today’s digital age. I tend to be of the mindset that Photoshop is nothing more than a darkroom for the digital photographer. It allows us to process our digital files much like a film photographer would develop his film in the darkroom. As I admitted in yesterday’s post, I took a few liberties with my photo of the Tetons simply because it was fun to experiment a bit, and I may have over processed according to some. I think many photographers that are new to the digital world are somewhat confused about what is 100% pure and what is processed. In today’s world, if you’re using a digital camera, then simply put… everything is processed. Especially if you’re shooting in JPEG mode. Today’s digital cameras are much like computers. They are all equipped with processors and a memory. If you shoot in jpeg file format, then you’re allowing your camera to process the image for you using it’s automatic settings. However, if you shoot in Raw file format, you’re getting as close to a negative as you possibly can with a digital image. The camera does not fully process this image for you. If you decide to shoot in Raw, as most professional photographers do, then you are left having to process the image using some sort of software such as Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Apple’s Aperture…etc. Many professional photographers have opted to use Raw images simply because it allows them greater control over their processing. One of the largest advantages to using Raw files coupled with non-destructive software, such as Adobe Lightroom, is that the file is never altered, much like a film negative is never altered when printing an image in the darkroom. This non-destructive processing allows us to work with the same image over and over again without losing any data or physically alternating the image. So, all said, Photoshop is a key tool allowing digital photographers to work with their images (dodging, burning, cropping..etc.) Sure, it’s possible to push the limits… but film photographers have been doing the same throughout the years using filters, cross processing, infrared…you name it. Chances are, if you didn’t like the processes used in film, then you’re not going to like the same effects used in Photoshop. However, keep in mind, the digital image process in principal is very similar to the “old school” film process minus the safety lamps and chemicals. If Ansel Adams hadn’t been a brilliant photographer and a master technician in the darkroom, then he would never had reached his level of success. So, before we judge another practitioner’s process, consider stepping out of the darkroom, turning on the lights, and giving the digital age a try. I know I’ve done both, and can see pro/cons to each.
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Thank you John for your comment today, I for one kinda took it the wrong way of what others were saying, and everyone is entitled to there opinion and not everyone will always agree either. I think that if no PHOTOGRAPHY ever used photoshop pics from the past and present wouldnt always be what they were or will be. I am attending a class in St Louis this sept and the Professional Photography putting on this seminar will be talking about Photoshop, and now having this being said I will go into this seminar with a more opened mind. Again thank you and your pics recently taken are very good.
Michelle,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I hope your seminar goes well and keep stopping by and leaving comments. I love reading these on my blog…John
Well put! Developing is part of the artist’s creative expression. All subjective. True artists follow their vision.
Very true…although my vision gets cloudy from time to time…;)
[...] Idaho Wheat Yesterday’s post created quite a stir on my Facebook page . It’s obvious that people have very strong feelings regarding the use of Photoshop in today’s digital age. I tend to be of the mindset that Photoshop is nothing more than a darkroom for the digital photographer. Here is the original: Why I use Photoshop [...]
Excellent advice, John. I grew up in photography long before digital was even a dream. Since going digital, I’ve used raw exclusively — for the very reasons you’ve highlighted here.
David,
Glad you enjoyed the post. I’ve been shooting in raw for nearly four years now and I’ve never looked back. Hope all is well. John
Whats odd John this seminar I am attending I think you attended a similar seminar a few months back, I dont think its the same person, but I got the idea of attending this one in St Louis from you actually. My mom is giving it to me for and early BDay present and what better way to spend it while doing something I love to do for fun, and also learn something also. I am always up to learning new and important things, I do some pics for others in my spare time, and if coming here and watching and taking notes helps me, then I will continue to do so in the future. I love to take pics of still things, buildings, people etc and seeing your pics and reading your tips as given me alot of pointers. I have also asked for your opinion w/ a few pics and took it as positive constructive, keep up the great work I admire.
So well put! There are some photos that I would not dream of processing any more than to get it from RAW to print… But I LOVE playing in Lightroom and Photshop to come up with unique, unusual and interesting pieces of art – and I make no claim that it’s not a lot of ‘extra’ non traditional effects. I like the creative freedom… and so do my clients.
Creative freedom is key….thanks for your comments…John
p.s. you have a nice site!
Maybe I’m too much of a spontaneous photographer or perhaps I have become Photoshop dependent, but I am always taking random shots, knowing that when I capture something special I can correct it using Photoshop, if necessary. It gives me the freedom to shoot what I see, when I see it. I love pet photography, and most of my best shots have been spontaneous moments in less-than-perfect conditions.
Sometimes you have to work with what you have, so it’s nice to have a tool like Photoshop.
Adobe Photoshop is simply the best photo editing tool on the market. I often use it a lot on my photo studio and also in webpage design ~
We have a photo studio in our town and Adobe Photoshop is our primary software for photo editing..`