I guess it depends on my mood and the picture in question. I do love mucking around with them but sometimes a picture has to be seen naturally I think. I am just happy that I have found photography again and this site :-)
I absolutely edit most of my photos. While I sometimes post as is, that is rare and most of my photos have nice adjustment tweeks to really make sure the camera captured what my eye and mind saw, or to clean up some of the underwhelming skill I used.
I do think that learning and practicing editing skills are just as important as composition, subject matter, or lighting. I like to think if I was a professional photographer in the real job paying world it would be important for me to know multiple softwares as well as knowing how to master multiple styes of photography. This site has given me such an opportunity to explore, expand and test out fun editing styles without too much criticism.
I fall on the side of editing and not on the side of straight from the camera because I think the skills for being a well rounded photographer of today includes editing.
Most always I edit. How much editing depends on my mood and what the picture is of. I like this project because I am working on my photography and my Photoshop skills too! :-)
Of course, but you know... it's called processing ; )
I used to be opposed to it, but as I learn more and more about it the whole idea of 'You should be aiming to capture what you see with the camera and not with Photoshop!' seems to apply less and less- I don't just see what is in front of me anymore, I am more and more seeing what could be DONE with what is in front of me!
I do both- it depends on the picture. Most of my nature shots I try to post as is. But sometimes the transfer of data un-sharpens and un-saturates the colors, so I will restore them slightly to get the picture back to the same quality as what I saw in the camera. Selfies I have no problem editing to death because I don't really like them! Every now and then a challenge calls for editing, but the rest of the time, I aim for a balance between sooc and some editing.
Yes, lots most of the time as I like the 'artistic' take on images, although sometimes my more successful shots are unedited, maybe just cropped. But I love PSE, its a little world I can lose myself in : ) oh and HDR!
Definitely go for HDR, but subtlety has to be the keyword. Our eyes are so much better at seeing the dynamic range in front of us that SOOC can't always replicate what we see. Though I do try to use grad filters when I can. I enjoy both the taking and the editing.
While I admit to some post-processing (or post-editing for the "snobs"), I do try to keep it to a minimum. A little tweak here, a tiny nudge there. I believe in keeping the final image as close to the original as possible.
Here's an example of a before/after I recently completed:
it depends on the picture! sometimes I tweak the levels and possibly the colour balance sometimes I will turn it B&W I am learning how to use photoshop but sometimes its its nice to go eau natural!!!
I think it's part and parcel of modern photography.. Editing images in photoshop or your preferred software is your new dark room. I enjoy taking the photos and then processing them..
I edit every single one of my images, even if it's just a simple curve. Sometimes I take photos that I'm not at all happy with, so I use Photoshop to get them up to an uploadable standard, other times I like the photo a lot and not much needs doing to it. My project isn't just about learning to take good photos, it's also about learning more about Photoshop and learning different ways to edit photos
@grizzlysghost I assume you were being sarcastic since nothing about the after resembles the before, other than you can see white petals in both. Once upon a time, there were crap loads of equipment photographers used, prior to the digital age, to manipulate photographs. There were multiple exposures, filters, darkroom tricks, you name it. So if the question is coming from a purist standpoint, what was so pure about professional photographers manipulating their photos thru other means in the pre-digital age? If its coming from a visual standpoint... well, some people prefer paintings that look like photographs, while others prefer photographs that look like paintings. 'nuff said. I process to get a mood/feeling as in the photo below:
@jsw0109 Um... yes Jeff, I was being sarcastic...
I guess I will go stand in the "no sarcasm allowed" corner now with @grecican...
Damn... sarcasm again. Sorry.
Depends on my mood. I love tweaking my photos. Most of the time it's just little touches here and there but sometimes I go mad and really go with the editing. I'm learning lots of new things on Photoshop just now so more editing is coming my way. I think it really just depends how boring I think the shot it. If it's something lying about my house I tend to really edit it a lot but if it's natural outside I like to keep it as natural as I can but as I say it really does depend on my mood that day.
@grizzlysghost@grecican Ross needs to develop a sarcasm code for here, kinda like the bold or the strike code.....maybe @eyebrows can whip something up.....?
I do like the fact that you can save an image that would of otherwise been deleted. RAW you got to love it! This is my 29/2/2012 Hand painted sky image. Before/After on flickr!
I love the process of processing and probably do it to the majority of my shots. I consider it the same as not wanting to leave the house without make up on ;o)
For me, editing is half the fun. I'm addicted!
Well said Echo, and I totally agree ,' I don't just see what is in front of me anymore, I am more and more seeing what could be DONE with what is in front of me!' @echoia
I am a big fan of processing. I just did a week of posting SOOC (straight out of the camera) photos with no processing and although I learnt a lot, I did not enjoy it, I kept seeing what I would like to do to 'improve' the picture, even if it is just a little clarity or contrast enhancing. Although I respect the ability to set up and capture a great photo, for me the creativity happens on the computer.
Non processed SOOC
Processed
two totally different skill sets
I just about only shoot in RAW so pretty much all my shots are processed in lightroom and then in photoshop.
There are some photo's in my albums SOOC shot in jpg...but then I saw the light and was converted ;)
@grecican
I love your responses in the threads, I just have to make sure I don't have a mouthful of tea before I start reading!! You have such a quick wit. @grizzlysghost
Your before and after pics cracked me up, "a little tweak here...."
You don't need a sarcasm button, people need to get a sense of humour.
Nothing better than a laugh to start my mornings.
Now back to the thread..... I don't do a lot of editing, but only because I've only had very basic skills. I'm learning as I go, and am enjoying playing around with photos to see the different effects. Picasa first, then Picnik and one day photoshop.....
@blerinab If it's in need of some light or maybe other little things like textures or what not. Yes, but if I do it and like how it came out, then no I just keep it as it is and upload it.
@grizzlysghost oh no, sarcasm is great... I was just wondering if you might have not intended sarcasm and the photos you included weren't the ones you intended. Or if this fever I have is messing up my head ;)
I don't edit very much. Sometimes after I upload, I see that 365 has darken my photo, so I'll lighten it, and I boost the color sometimes, But then I take a lot of Hipstamtic photos, which come of of the cell phone already very processed. I'm not so much against editing as I am just lazy. :-) I like both processed and SOOC shots. It's about whatever works for whoever took the photo.
I remember back in the old days when digital was becoming affordable to the masses, must have been six or seven years ago, people talking about how digital had brought back the creativity of photography. In the early days of photography you had to process your own film and make your own prints so people got into the artistry of it. Then there were a few decades of everything going to the lab, out of your hands so you took what you got. Now people can play again. Lots of incredible work coming out.
I do tend to edit, I never really used to but doing this project last year I had it as one of my things to learn to do as well as get better at photography. Sometimes a photo needs and edit and other times it doesn't. Recently I've started an online photography course, just one run by a magazine that is free but it's something. Anyhow our first piece of homework was to take a B&W jpeg photo and not edit it. Was quite interesting and challenging especially having spent all that time learning to edit last year.
This is the photo I ended up going with which I was quite pleased with BUT I did have go at editing it, just to tweak a few little things to make it more to my liking. lol
Also as to editing I sometimes find when photographing kids especially my youngest when I want a close shot he just won't let me get in that close so you have to step back and the crop in and change a few bits in edit.
I'm working on finding out how to edit pics better - but so far have just done the basic crop and colour adjust. Nothing fancy :) Unlike others - nudge nudge ... hehe
I use my phone for the 365 Project... it's resolution is good, so the pics are good enough to be shown in public, however, since I can't callibrate, they are consistently too green. Therefore I must edit them. @HM
my editing amount is based simply on mood,with a hint of how much coffee i have had. with just phone cam shooting, it is simply good times. like a redneck screaming hey ya'll watch this! also most SOOC is a myth, 95%+ of labs will automatically adjust exposure, contrast, saturation, so ya might as well have fun with editing.
This group is supposed to be about helping each other. Everyone joins at different times. Some of us havent been on here for 5 years, nor do we know everything thats been asked! This group is about learning and growing. I am to the point of deleting 365, bc theres not one discussion where theres NOT a rude post or stupid comment, when others ask questions. Which is the WHOLE POINT OF DISCUSSIONS!!!
By the way, I am learning to edit and do use it on some of my shots but not all.
I don't understand why the people posting nasty comments on here would have clicked on this thread in the first place - it's obvious from its title what it's about, so if you've heard it all before just go read something else and leave this thread to those of us who are interested.
On the very few occasions I don't feel I can improve one of my pictures by editing I'm extremely chuffed and pleased with myself, but on the whole I love editing and count it as part of the process of taking a photo :-)
@branwensmith
i agree with you, we all start somewhere its called LEARNING, and people who don't like the question or dont give a shit , theres no need to swear and be offensive about it - you just make yourself look an arse to newer users
@branwensmith I so agree and im so tired of it. Exactly right, why would you even click it on it, if you read it or heard it before???? Just to be rude, is childish and uncalled for. Go take some photos or something, thats why we are here.
No editing here. Just learning the camera and all it can do-- processing will come later. As far as the person who is upset over the question....apparently Vicki doesn't have the patience for newbies and our learning curves. Let's not stress over rudeness or show intolerance as she has and concentrate on learning from each other..
My goal is to edit in order to enhance my images, not cover inadequacy. A goal not always achieved, but I am working towards it. There are images which cannot be achieved SOOC and never could be. There are fundamentals which cannot be faked by processing and never will be.
@cchambers SOOC is a misunderstanding with digital and cannot exist with film.
@sheg@branwensmith You needn't let their attitude affect your participation. This site is much like a party hosted by a friend of a friend. We are not all going to have the same interests or goals, nor are we going to like everyone. In simpler words, ignore 'em. Plenty of positive folk to talk to.
If it is to manipulate an image (like for WWYD) or write on it yes I do use Photoshop but otherwise I prefer to upload it as it is - if it is not good for me then I will not submit it but use something else if possible.
I don't usually edit my photographs. However sometimes I get a photograph where the subject is good but due to available light or light direction it does not turn out as I wished so I edit it.
I mostlu use my iphone, and I don't edit much... But, if need be, I've been using snaspeed for ipad. Today I've downloaded Iphoto for ipad, which has lots of editing possibilities, so I guess i will be editing more.
I completely agree with @2sweetladybugs
Lightroom is so a perfect tool. I immediately bought the LR4 update when they launched it this week. I only present processed pics.
And why it's perfect? Just see how easy it works and how easy you can make improvements: http://youtu.be/P-sA8fh4C6s and http://youtu.be/Lgg2ml5vogM
I sometimes do and sometimes don't. I've always been an admirer of a good edit (though there are many rubbish ones) but am a beginner in editing skills. Occasionally, a photo doesn't need it, or maybe needs say a tiny crop, but thats all, but the more I learn, the more I edit!
@sheg@branwensmith@kmrtn6 - ladies - well said. I am getting bothered about some of the rude comments....as you said, if it's been said before move on. I have learnt so much here since I joined in January, but the rude comments are starting to make me think twice about continuing to participate @lilbudhha I agree what you say about having to take no notice, but it gets me down once i have read them !
I edit but very little lately. I really want to take some classes on how to get some of the awesome effects that people do with editing. I have seen both really good and really bad editing and it takes a lot of work. I really hope I can take a class some time to help with a technique.
@blerinab@sheg@branwensmith@dtassi@lilbudhha@sharonaddison
I do sincerely apologize for offending or making anyone feel bad about using 365, its a great site and I have always found people to be helpful.
All I can say is 'SORRY'...was having an extremely bad day that day, doesn't excuse my behaviour or language I know.
Vicki
@veekay HA! Nice one! Had to pick myself off the floor laughing with a tear in my eye. I couldn't agree more.
It's personal taste. The best photographers in the world edit. It a process from composing the shot, making the correct settings on the camera, to post processing until the image is right for your taste.
To each their own and just enjoy taking the shot.
Have a great day down under. I know you always do :-)
@sharonaddison I agree, it goes both ways I guess if we dont like it dont read it. But when you come to a topic to learn something its very discouraging and makes you not want to look anymore.
Yep I edit almost everything.. Mainly because I don't feel my photos are presentable without a little editing.. That's why I'm doing this project to get better.
I do edit to get the picture to show what I want it to show.
The camera to me is not a photocopier showing exactly what is in front of the lens - it is more of a paintbrush to enable me to paint with light.
@sheg@branwensmith and others...I am so pleased to read your comments. I've been here for over 2 years now and I do see threads that have come up before, but as you say, if you have nothing to offer or think that thread doesn't interest you move on. No need to post something rude or offensive. I love a bit of banter of course but recently there has been an increase in swearing and the like. Hey ho just begining to sound like an old fuddy duddy now. :-)
Since I learned some processing skills yes I do edit but I am appreciating more and more the photograph is what you take, the art is in the processing, where does one end and the other begin? End of ramble.
well, I'm not a professional photo editor, but I do portraits, and I'd love to enhance them by using photo face editor to beautify their faces and bodies, but the most important thing I keep in mind is to be natural and not over edit.
I always edit my photos, but that is because of the nature of what I do. Sometimes I do minimal work, because I want the pic out of camera, but Raw gets interpreted differently in programs, and sometimes I have to increase contrast, and things like that, but in general I like to edit. It's fun. It's like painting with real objects. There are certain things however I won't do, that I find morally reprehensible.
I see that often people slim down models, or they do this thing where they mirror one side of the face to get this symmetrical look, which no one actually has, and the result is weird. I think it puts out the wrong message as well, and propagates this standard of beauty which is impossible to attain. As one super model put it: "I shouldn't be showered with money and fame because I won a genetic lottery."
At the same time though, I will get rid of blemishes of skin texture, and balance tones, because you can do that with makeup, but it costs quite a bit of money. I use photo shop mainly to balance tones (get rid of red, or brown spots on the skin) and get rid of blemishes. It's also a really good way to save money, because for example, if I wanted to do some of the shoots that I do, I would have to create props, or buy them, hire a bunch of people to come shoot, or pay a makeup artist. I avoid those costs simply by learning a skill, and that's kind of nice.
I also use it to get rid of distractions, like a crease in the clothing that bothers me, or a light socket that got into the shot. I think that's the goal with photography. To make a beautiful, and immersive picture. Sometimes the beauty comes from the ugliness as well so you have to know when to stop editing.
I know I read someones post on what programs they use for collages but I don't seem to be able to find it now with all the comments. Could someone mention a good collage program ? Thanks
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I do think that learning and practicing editing skills are just as important as composition, subject matter, or lighting. I like to think if I was a professional photographer in the real job paying world it would be important for me to know multiple softwares as well as knowing how to master multiple styes of photography. This site has given me such an opportunity to explore, expand and test out fun editing styles without too much criticism.
I fall on the side of editing and not on the side of straight from the camera because I think the skills for being a well rounded photographer of today includes editing.
I used to be opposed to it, but as I learn more and more about it the whole idea of 'You should be aiming to capture what you see with the camera and not with Photoshop!' seems to apply less and less- I don't just see what is in front of me anymore, I am more and more seeing what could be DONE with what is in front of me!
Here's an example of a before/after I recently completed:
I guess I will go stand in the "no sarcasm allowed" corner now with @grecican...
Damn... sarcasm again. Sorry.
strikecode.....maybe @eyebrows can whip something up.....?Well said Echo, and I totally agree ,' I don't just see what is in front of me anymore, I am more and more seeing what could be DONE with what is in front of me!' @echoia
Non processed SOOC
Processed
two totally different skill sets
There are some photo's in my albums SOOC shot in jpg...but then I saw the light and was converted ;)
I love your responses in the threads, I just have to make sure I don't have a mouthful of tea before I start reading!! You have such a quick wit.
@grizzlysghost
Your before and after pics cracked me up, "a little tweak here...."
You don't need a sarcasm button, people need to get a sense of humour.
Nothing better than a laugh to start my mornings.
Now back to the thread..... I don't do a lot of editing, but only because I've only had very basic skills. I'm learning as I go, and am enjoying playing around with photos to see the different effects. Picasa first, then Picnik and one day photoshop.....
@echoia Thats too easy and doesn't look cool enough!
You censor yourself?? I hadn't noticed that!! he he
SOOC, I swear.
This is the photo I ended up going with which I was quite pleased with BUT I did have go at editing it, just to tweak a few little things to make it more to my liking. lol
Also as to editing I sometimes find when photographing kids especially my youngest when I want a close shot he just won't let me get in that close so you have to step back and the crop in and change a few bits in edit.
@HM
I make a special effort to edit everything!
By the way, I am learning to edit and do use it on some of my shots but not all.
On the very few occasions I don't feel I can improve one of my pictures by editing I'm extremely chuffed and pleased with myself, but on the whole I love editing and count it as part of the process of taking a photo :-)
i agree with you, we all start somewhere its called LEARNING, and people who don't like the question or dont give a shit , theres no need to swear and be offensive about it - you just make yourself look an arse to newer users
@cchambers SOOC is a misunderstanding with digital and cannot exist with film.
@sheg @branwensmith You needn't let their attitude affect your participation. This site is much like a party hosted by a friend of a friend. We are not all going to have the same interests or goals, nor are we going to like everyone. In simpler words, ignore 'em. Plenty of positive folk to talk to.
Lightroom is so a perfect tool. I immediately bought the LR4 update when they launched it this week. I only present processed pics.
And why it's perfect? Just see how easy it works and how easy you can make improvements: http://youtu.be/P-sA8fh4C6s and http://youtu.be/Lgg2ml5vogM
I do sincerely apologize for offending or making anyone feel bad about using 365, its a great site and I have always found people to be helpful.
All I can say is 'SORRY'...was having an extremely bad day that day, doesn't excuse my behaviour or language I know.
Vicki
It's personal taste. The best photographers in the world edit. It a process from composing the shot, making the correct settings on the camera, to post processing until the image is right for your taste.
To each their own and just enjoy taking the shot.
Have a great day down under. I know you always do :-)
Oh and I edit a lot of my pics, i.e., sharpening, cropping, contrast, stuff like that:)
The camera to me is not a photocopier showing exactly what is in front of the lens - it is more of a paintbrush to enable me to paint with light.
Since I learned some processing skills yes I do edit but I am appreciating more and more the photograph is what you take, the art is in the processing, where does one end and the other begin? End of ramble.
I see that often people slim down models, or they do this thing where they mirror one side of the face to get this symmetrical look, which no one actually has, and the result is weird. I think it puts out the wrong message as well, and propagates this standard of beauty which is impossible to attain. As one super model put it: "I shouldn't be showered with money and fame because I won a genetic lottery."
At the same time though, I will get rid of blemishes of skin texture, and balance tones, because you can do that with makeup, but it costs quite a bit of money. I use photo shop mainly to balance tones (get rid of red, or brown spots on the skin) and get rid of blemishes. It's also a really good way to save money, because for example, if I wanted to do some of the shoots that I do, I would have to create props, or buy them, hire a bunch of people to come shoot, or pay a makeup artist. I avoid those costs simply by learning a skill, and that's kind of nice.
I also use it to get rid of distractions, like a crease in the clothing that bothers me, or a light socket that got into the shot. I think that's the goal with photography. To make a beautiful, and immersive picture. Sometimes the beauty comes from the ugliness as well so you have to know when to stop editing.