Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

I was reading a forum that was having a discussion that a lot of contests, etc do not allow photoshop editing because they consider it cheating.

I just started using a program to do certain things now and I am loving it.

What are your thoughts?

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

I'm torn on this.

While I do think to some extent it is cheating, I also feel it can be a great tool to achieve a great picture that in nature might otherwise not necessarily exist.

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

I can see where it could be considered "cheating" in an amateur photo contest, but for professionals and others just using it to enhance a photo I see it as no big deal.

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

Depends on the photo, and the purpose. If you are "faking" something, then it's probably cheating. If you are trying for something artistic, or to clean up some background stuff (None of my printed and mounted DC's infant photos have any drool on them, or food stains, scratches, etc.... )

As long as you aren't trying to deceive, then PS is a type of art. Paintings aren't 100% accurate, but it isn't "cheating", since it's not being portrayed as 100% accurate.

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

Part of me says the use of photoshop is no different than the burning and dodging they used to do in the darkroom

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

It depends on what photoshop is used for and by whom. An amateur photographer trying to enhance and correct photos a bit is fine -it’s a hobby.

But I think a professional photographer should be able to properly frame and light a shot so that minimal corrections should be required – maybe some cropping or using photoshop to add a special effect like hand coloring but if they are being paid, I don’t think they should rely on photoshop to get the right pictures. That’s when I think it’s cheating.

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

Also I should add that I'm living proof that all the photoshop skills in the world can't make a turd of a picture into a rose.

Trust me on this one, my computer is full of crappy pics

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

I think any skill has many, many different levels of expertise. I don't call myself a photographer, I just like to take pictures as a hobby. I feel like it would be an insult to professionals who are miles and miles above my skill level. It takes years to be GREAT at it, learning about light and aperture, framing, aesthetic elements, practice, etc. Getting the pictures that are the best they can be straight out of the camera, instead of relying on Photoshop.

That said... Digital has opened a whole new world to a whole lot of people. In extremes - professional applications sold to a buyer and occasional hobbyists - I see nothing wrong with photoshopping. Professionals make their photos the best they can be for their client - I would WANT them to use Photoshop if I was paying for it. And for hobbyists, who cares?

I think the problem comes in when you are offering your original pieces for contests or to gain critiques, and not talking about the things you did to it. Digital manipulation is an art within an art and can be treated that way. It's when people gain prizes or money for something that they claim is unmanipulated, or do so without the subject's consent that bothers me.

Message edited 8/11/2009 9:45:10 AM.

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

if your entering work in a professional contest then I understand the need of "no editing" added. These contest are really based on photography skills/art. Anyone can take pictures that are good, anyone can learn photoshop and master tricks but very few can master the art of truly taking the perfect great photograph.

I get paid to take pictures and I still refuse to call myself a professional photographer! But for hobby photoshop but do not go overboard. I am so anti cheese effects on photographs, over saturated to the point its blinding, blown out highlights (unless it was a blown out photo on purpose) and super dark shadows (contrasty)

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

It depends!

In a contest, no I don't think photoshop or editing should be allowed. Just the pic as is.

I do think photoshop has it's advantage even by professional photographers.

We all want this unwanted object that seems to distract from the pic which would be perfect without it. The zit we get on our wedding picture. It's cheating but it's also about "quick" fixes.

It also depend of the LOOK you are trying to accomplish. Using a "fake" sky! That's more for artistic value.

But again for a contest, no editing allowed! Just pure raw talent. Otherwise you can really just "create" something because you are a computer/editing genius. You can make ANYTHING out of editing and computer softwares. That's really not fair!

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?

Re: Do you feel that photographers that use Photoshop, etc are "cheaters"?