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I recently shared a photo I'm proud of on Instagram. Reactions ranged from very positive to those denying my work the title of “a photograph,” calling it “computer graphics,” or “photo-graphics.” This got me thinking. Do people really understand the concept of photography art and why are they so adamantly against photo manipulation?

I became passionate about creative photography after the birth of my twin daughters Annabella and Juliette; my little kids inspire me every day in my work. Through photography, I strive to enter the world of my two children, to grasp all the childhood whimsies, and to recreate these magical moments that we all look back on and smile. This means using whatever photographic tools will get me closest to that vision. Photo editing is just one of those tools.

Photography was invented over 180 years ago, but it's only with the relatively recent invention of digital editing software that creative photo manipulation has become the subject of popular controversy. Really though, this just shows our lack of awareness of the history of photography: image manipulation didn't start with Photoshop. In fact, it's always been an essential part of what photographers do.

As I dug a little deeper, I came to realize that art and news photographers have been manipulating their photographs since the very first days of photography. So the argument that a particular image is less of a photograph because it has been retouched didn't seem at all convincing to me. If we started ruling out retouched and photoshopped images from the category of photographs, we would be left with not a single photograph in the world.

Since the invention of photography, image manipulation has been a key part of it. The 19th-century photographers liked to call it “removing imperfections” from the shot, and they did it by painting directly onto the glass-plate negatives. Sometimes, an entire person would be “painted out”. Moreover, they would combine multiple frames in the darkroom to add dramatic elements to their stunning pictures.

Similarly, most new photographs, made over the course of the last century, will have been cropped, dodged, burned, and even painted to some degree. The photographer does this in order to better illustrate the story in the paper. Even the snaps in the family photo album vary, depending on the film, the chemicals, and the color settings used. Most photos are certainly not simply neutral, un-manipulated snatches of the real world. They are rather a real-world story told in a beautiful way.

Sure, I can see why heavy use of Photoshop might be worrying in the area of photojournalism, but I do not consider myself a documentary photographer. Far from it. In fact, I think my work is a little like making a still movie. Image manipulation has always been a part of filmmaking too, but nobody ever suggested that a movie using a blue - screen or CGI is not a movie (cinematography?). There is art in applying these techniques as well. Thus, I will use whatever photographic tools will get me closest to my photo ideas.

The word photography literally means writing or drawing with light. The process of making an entirely computer-generated image - such as a digital illustration or animation - couldn't really be described as "writing with light." This contrasts sharply with my way of working: in simple terms, I make images using a box with a hole that lets light in - so they can definitely be considered "photo-graphs". The fact that I edit these images afterward using software doesn't change this. In any case, it's not fundamentally different from what people were doing in the darkroom over a century ago.

Now that I have tried to raise awareness about the history of and about photography in general, I would like to hear your opinion. How would you define photography? Please share your thoughts on when a photograph stops being a photograph. How much manipulation is too much manipulation?

More info: Instagram

#1

Happiness Is...

Happiness Is...

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Bobbi Newell
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one, for me, has the most dramatic change in mood. It goes from enjoying small moments despite adversity, to the sweet, pure innocence of childhood.

Juli
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Father has been a Professional Photographer (working for large Corp's) for 65 years + My mother for 50 yrs. I will not go without telling you "This is an amazing Photo!!" Never ever read comments and if you do don't believe them. They are speaking about themselves (how their brain processes) it never has anything whatsoever to do with you! The Art that gets into Museums even have critics. No matter how wonderful anyone is at anything, there will be people who feel hate inside themselves and just have to express it any moment they can.... That is not about you! Please, believe in YOU... there is no one in the world like you... be that, and let everyone else blab whatever they need to blab.... whatever their brain is processing AT THAT MOMENT.... it's always changing. This is about your life, not theirs. {someone may even criticize this}

Juli
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Sane Minotaur
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you think of these words? They are perfect, it reminds me of the kinda thing that one of my friends would say. Made me.sk

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Rachel Hutton
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love both the original photos, and the manipulated ones. At the end of the day, it is your artistic expression coming through on the finished product, and you're right to be proud of your work. To all the people just plainly saying "I hate it" or "it's top photoshopped", is that really constructive...? You're entitled to your opinion, but simply dragging someone's work because you don't like it is unnecessary.

Jessica Chortkoff
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People feel envy when they take photos with a phone and they don't turn out like this. The lighting and lenses, F-stops and apertures are correct. The mind does the adjusting for us so much so that when we see the photo we took it takes a little bit of color correction and post processing to get the image back to what we saw in the first place. It's perfectly ok and not cheating. If she didn't know what she was doing the info would not be in the file to fix it.

Carol Roeder
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From darkness comes light! This is beautiful!

MysticSailora
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg people, she literally changed the colour! it's fine!

Lynne Hales
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Completely adorable , light increased to increase the beauty magnificently , tender capture beautifully edited

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    #2

    Spring Breeze

    Spring Breeze

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    Rebekah
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is magical. Fairy-esque.

    Ying Fu Li
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just one comment which goes for all your photos in this article. I prefer the originals for a simple reason: they are what they are. Your editing has in some cases masked that your lighting was off which I can understand. I just wouldn’t want to resort to Photoshop if a simple adjustment of your lens or a slightly different position of the model would have sufficed. Second, in many images you do more than slight adjustments. You fundamentally change them into something you didn’t photograph. While that is your choice I don’t really like it. Small adjustments like contrast and brightness are one thing, but you repeatedly adjust the colours in the picture which also is something you could have done while photographing. Anyway, it’s your choice and if you’re happy with it do continue.

    Phoebes
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why does it matter if the beautiful result is done with the camera itself or with a computer "filter"? Either you adjust the camera and environment before, or adjust it afterwards. People are far too critical. I love your photos--you capture the essence of the subjects SO well. Kudos; and I second another BP member's advice: I would stop reading comments. Or at least discern the negative ones immediately and do NOT internalize them. :)

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    Christine Zacharda
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are beautiful photographs, on my opinion. Don’t be bothered by negative comments.

    Liz Sahlin Johansson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The coloration would have been perfect in between these pics - in my opinion.

    Lynne Hales
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ethereal image , adorably innocent ,adore the editing

    Carol Roeder
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful! All I can see is you enriched the colors.

    Tiu Tau Tilhi
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful photograph, the original one. Lovely mood. However, the photoshopping of a little girl's skin is not necessary, makes her look like she's wearing makeup. Certainly does not need any.

    Maggie Dougherty
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I bet if she turned around, she would have tiny little fiery wings! <3 <3

    Veronique Coulon
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    beautifull !! would love to learn how you achieved this :) :)

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    #3

    Softness

    Softness

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    Diane Diggs
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The altered photo brings out such lovely colors. In other words, it makes the colors "pop"! :-)

    Carol Roeder
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have a very good eye for beauty. This child came from the background to the foreground because of what you felt! Beautiful picture.

    Mer
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To me, this pic went from "early evening during late summer" to "mid-afternoon mid-autumn".

    Kelly Dean
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband has been a professional photographer (college degree in portraiture) for about 30 years. He is in complete agreement with you! When I showed him your article and your work, his response was "Those re great! Those are amazing!" He's with you: photography= light writing. Image manipulation is part of creating a good, sell-able image. My mother's senior portrait from 1961 was black and white and hand colored. It, as well has her bridal portrait of the same style, are stunning!

    Liesa Yopp
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Either you didn't read the introduction or you're completely missing the point. Photographs are just another form of art and self expression. Try just enjoying the mage for what it is, a persons memories of their cherished children. I promise it won't hurt a bit.

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    Christina Eneroth (Eneroth3)
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This completely changes the location from an open field with some bushes in the background to a grove in a forest with large old trees. If I was in the photo I'd like to remember where it was taken.

    Paul Dixon
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Completely changed the background again 100% photoshopped and not photo manipulation. Photo manipulation is changing the tone, the lighting etc ... as soon as you remove the background, slim down a model, remove aspects of the image etc, this becomes 'photoshopped' and not photo manipulation.

    Happiness is Hippo
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did you actually read the whole intro to this article? Your comments are redundant.

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    #4

    Happiness Is... A Warm Puppy

    Happiness Is... A Warm Puppy

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    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lisa, thanks a lot! The image was taken during my workshop in London; we were all amazed at the instant connection between our model and the puppy.

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    Kerri Russ
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those freckles really POP now! So very cute!

    Tiu Tau Tilhi
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agreed. This one, imo, is the most successfully enhanced ones of the whole series - enhancing, making colours pop, but not altering the model herself. Beautiful pic, lovely mood captured.

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    Carol Roeder
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How can enriching the colors make a bad photo? Your photos a GORGEOUS.

    Glynis Dover
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer the original, again the enhanced seems to have been overdone slightly x

    Ildiko Okido
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The second one makes me think of a warm summer day.

    Tati
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the photoshopped!

    Laugh Fan
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The children are beautiful but I'm always a sucker for a puppy! Happiness IS a warm puppy!

    Liz Sahlin Johansson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The coloration shuld have been perfect in between these pics - in my opinion.

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am delighted with the results of post-production in this image, thanks for the thoughtful suggestions though. Any chance you need to calibrate your screen? Sometimes colors can be a bit off... This image looks fantastic on archival print paper :)

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    Lizhi Sanchez
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer your original photos they are beautiful and tell powerful stories. .. but after the color grading they look like thousands of photos on the net. It takes away their uniqueness. It seems like everbody is using the same colors for photos featuring kids. Your shots age good I dont think you need to photoshop them so much.

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    #5

    Breathe In The Ocean

    Breathe In The Ocean

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    Sarah Cleaver
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually prefer the original on this one

    Xiaolaohu
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me too, the first reminds me of actual time spent at the shore, the light quality, the second is a movie shot in front of a green screen

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    Laugh Fan
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like them both - you see different things in each one. They inspire different feelings.

    Lyndsey
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES, I agree. Personally, I do feel the first one could have been polished a bit more, and if that's her definition of fixing up a picture, who am I to correct her? The two pictures communicate different moods; perhaps she simply did not want to communicate the mood of the first image. You can not compare the two pictures. They aren't meant to look alike.

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    Joan Rogers
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the untouched photo much more. She looks very contemplative and the entire shot takes on a more mysterious quality.

    Morgen Stern
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The unaltered one is so much better.

    Carol Roeder
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so torn on this one. I love them both!

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    #6

    Spring Is Here

    Spring Is Here

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    Mimis Nachbarin
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You did not just "remove imperfections from the shot"... This is a whole lot more of changing. It still is very beautiful work.

    Romney Simpson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Photography is art and like all art forms it's the interpretation of the artist that matters. Everyone that views it will see it from their own perspective, which may or may not be like anyone elses or the artists. Framing the focal point of the pictures is also open to interpretation. I prefer to frame with photo manipulation instead of matting. I like the open and more natural look. I prefer to make images that evoke an emotion or tell a story instead of just capturing the moment. Painters have been doing this for thousands of years. These pictures are stunning.

    Chasity Spires
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And as an added side note to my previous post here...In my opinion, the object in these photos are not meant to be "natural, good ol' plain shots" ,rather, "whimsical, imaginative, creative, and bright". If you like, and PREFER, this kind of photo, these are perfect! If you like plain Jane photos, well, dont use this photographer. I think you capture creativity very well in your work! Love these!

    Indre
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If my parents were enhancing my eye and hair colour in my childhood pics Im not sure how I would feel. If you not happy about yourself and enhance your pics its one thing - doing it to your children is another..

    Laugh Fan
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd agree if these were photos taken just for memories of the children or a particular day but these are photo shoots and meant as art. The photographer isn't changing anything dramatic about the children - no new noses or anything.

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    Amanda Sherland
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All of these pictures are absolutely beautiful, but I think this one is my favorite. Very pretty with the flowers added. Very nice work!

    Chasity Spires
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the added touch of flowers around the right side. Looking at the "touched up" version, I feel as if she is standing in an enchanted garden and surrounded by beauty. I love the effect you give off in ALL your photos, they literally feel magical. Some prefer more natural photos as far as light and filters but others want their photos "fixed up" and perfect. I prefer the latter and LOVE your work😍👍 keep the awesome photos coming, please!

    Liz Sahlin Johansson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What is the goal here? To make a commercial poster? A postcard? The original is very beutyful as it is. Just a little cropping at the right and that’s fine.

    All With Heart
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's up with the flower movements, though? No offense though, I love the photo and the girl <3

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All, thanks for your question! Flowers in the original image have a "poor look", it was a good reason for me to replace them.

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    Tiu Tau Tilhi
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Prefer the original. This one touched up gives the impression that the photographer things that even little girls' slightly darker tones under their eyes need covering up / photoshopping. They certainly do not, she would have been lovely as is.

    Chinatsu Raikatuji
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The originap is already beautiful, no need to edit this actually

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    #7

    Can You Keep A Secret?

    Can You Keep A Secret?

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    Kim Lorton
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lilia, these are all beautiful photographs! The different tonal qualities you show make each one so different! They are amazing! Most people don’t understand the definition of the word photograph or photographer. A picture does not a photographer make! But you, are a true photographer! Thank you, for these amazing sweet pictures!

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awe, Kim, many thanks for your positivity and kindness! <3

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    Kerri Russ
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That little girl is so gorgeous but in the altered, she looks almost plastic.

    Cuitlahuac Guerra
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eyes are kindda creepy. Also the skin + eyes make her look too much like a porcelain doll. -> SYx2011690...621174.jpg SYx2011690L-5b464b9621174.jpg

    Paige Loewen
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know that that picture you commented was an exaggeration, but it doesn't look anything like the girl in the picture ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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    Bárbara Gael
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    S**t... yes, TONS of photoshop. Look at the girls face... Why this????

    Tiu Tau Tilhi
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was wondering the same thing, in this and some other photos here. Looks like now she is wearing makeup. She certainly did not need it. I also wonder, what the girl will think of this herself now, let alone when she grows up.

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    Bárbara Gael
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My god, why to work so much on a child skin??? That´s crazy... The final result looks like a painting, with all the photoshop. Bad, really bad.

    Mariela D
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are all so beautiful! You take so much time and precision to make these. I love it!!

    Liz Sahlin Johansson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The original with a little cropping is my choice.

    Christina Ciccarelli
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like most of the altered photo, but not the eyes on the little girl. The alteration makes them look fake and doll-like and her natural eye colour is quite pretty, should have enhanced it, not changed it completely.

    André Fierens
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i think anyone who takes a picture is a photographer, some make ...

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    #8

    Boy And A Girl

    Boy And A Girl

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    Neb
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While the crop of second photo is better, I like the green of trees in the first one more.

    Diane Diggs
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maybe too much of a sepia tone in the 2nd photo. I really like the fresh colors of the original.

    Dave Harrington
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Prefer the modified composition but not so much the tone.

    Clara The Idiot
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer the tone of the first but the cropping of the second

    Tati
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you want to make it appear sepia with some color is ok, it looks like afternoon sun, but losing the beauty of the green trees is a shame...

    LoneWolfie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love it but a gir? Seriously

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    #9

    What Does The Tide Bring

    What Does The Tide Bring

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    Alex K
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    when post processing goes too far

    Wil Vanderheijden
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's like picture #5. The orange background takes away all innocence of a child playing at a beach and instead gives the picture a doomsday feeling.

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    Chicago Kitty
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again - the original photo is fresh and innocent and lovely. The altered photo takes a strange post-apocalyptic turn. Ray Bradbury's "Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed" colony on Mars story pops into my head on this one.

    Tove Hansen
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The original looks much more fresh and clean. Better! I must agree with the people saying you overdo it with the photoshopping in most of your photos

    MBZ MetalsmithArtist
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I truly prefer the unaltered one here. The added colors really weigh this lovely image down

    Liz Sahlin Johansson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am sorry but in my opinion the altered pic looks like a watercolor drawing, not something made with a camera.

    Kerri Russ
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At first, I loved what I was seeing. I agree it IS photography. Photography has changed over the decades and some processing is part of that process now. However, more and more I see OVER processing and over saturation. The original photo here is so sweet, precious, and pure. All of the white really makes the little girl shine. I Feel her curiosity. The altered photo, however, is just too much. It almost feels like there's a forest fire somewhere close. Try not using so much orange and yellow, keep it more natural looking and not as processed looking.

    Cuitlahuac Guerra
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Relax a little bit the warm effect ... you always tend to show the sky as too red. It's a little bit distracting

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey thanks for your thoughtful suggestion, but I love the final results and this is how I process my work :)

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    Bárbara Gael
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Too much... And the original was better. Only with light problems.

    LoneWolfie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly, I like the first better. Great work tho!

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    #10

    Sister's Kiss

    Sister's Kiss

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    Chicago Kitty
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually much prefer the unaltered photo on this entry. There's authentic, cheerful fall crispness about it that quite draws me in. I think this is lost in all the red tones applied in the altered photo and the rain effect comes off as very false. For some reason it reminds me of those rather tacky Sears Family Photo pics circa 1970's & '80's where the subject was placed in a champagne glass or something with a loved one in profile looming them. Again, just my opinion and the original photo is lovely in its own right.

    Cuitlahuac Guerra
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup, the one with the reain looks kindda cheesy and / or fake.

    Cuitlahuac Guerra
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oops! Sorry didn’t know the universe will implode if I misspelled rain 🤣

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    Kerri Russ
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love that original photo... so cute and genuine. But the altered photo is too altered for my tastes.

    manowce
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the original is amazing, the second one is too red, the colour looks fake, so does the rain.

    Bárbara Gael
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why all her pics have to be turned into red??

    Paul Dixon
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry. Again the original looks better.

    Kat K
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like first photo very much, it has beautiful autumn feel and colours, if it´s unedited it´s very impessive

    Glynis Dover
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually prefer the original, the colour in the altered one is too false x

    Roy Powell
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I also prefer the original. More realistic. If the leaves aren't really red, then why mess with it?

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    #11

    Dawning

    Dawning

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    HellCat
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually prefer the original photo here. It's much more ethereal and pleasant to my eye than the second one, which changes to an almost hellish, bizarre feel. I mean no offense, it's just my opinion. From all the shots, this one with the girl on the beach is the one that I think it's been worked a bit too much. Very beautiful photos, though.

    Chicago Kitty
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree, there's something almost apocalyptic about the background in the altered photo.

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    Kerri Russ
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG... ease up on the reddish and orange! It really hurt my eyes as I scrolled down. The deep saturation really detracts from the girl and her lantern, which I think pops in the original.

    Sarah Birrelle
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok slow down- it did not "really hurt" you eyes. Eyeroll. Ouch.

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    Morgen Stern
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is going far too far, IMO. The altered photo looks so artificial that it lost all emotion.

    Mariela D
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Why don't you back off because this is not your work, why don't you try working your butt of and doing this work. Exactly.

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    Phoebes
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If that were my child, I'd buy and hang both in different parts of my house. Gorgeous!!!

    Terry Sanders
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The first few are simple color corrections. There's no room for relevant criticism any more than criticizing a photo lab for corrections to it's prints. As the gallery descends, however, the simple corrections begin to morph into surprisingly maudlin compositing. The photographs themselves are sensitive, seen nicely, and self-sufficient, I don't get the need to turn them into Thomas Kinkaid kitsch.

    Liz Sahlin Johansson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, no! Original!!! Choose the original!!!

    Patricia Moran
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how you make sure that the main subjects(these gorgeous children) of your photographs are always the priority. Your lighting and color work enhances the children’s faces. Your color work is amazing. Unfortunately no matter what you do in life somebody will be a total turd about it. Continue following your vision, it’s spot on. I’m obviously not a professional, but your work makes me relaxed and happy while I view it. Art is supposed to make you feel, you’re doing your job!

    Dominique
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m sad to say I don’t like the second one. Too much work done on the child’s complexion, but that’s just my opinion

    Caroline Seguin
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, I think it's beautiful photography. I like the second photo better because you see the little girl's face better. As for the tone and colours, it's up to the artist to decide what she likes? I notice she puts a lot of yellow or warmth in most of her shots in photoshop. So what? It's beautiful!

    manowce
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the second one looks like there's a fire behind the girl, too much red, the original is way better.

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