When I took this picture, it was of a pure white flower. It seemed to lack depth and texture and really didn’t stand out to me. Jumping into Photoshop Elements, I enhanced the texture and added color – I also blurred part of the background to try and make the flower pop out.
What I end up with is a nice picture of a flower that simply doesn’t exist! Effectively I’ve created a piece of art rather than a photograph!
So as a photographer should I stay true to the original, or is a little artistic impression allowed?
I enjoy the process and get pleasure from the final results; I am also honest about it – if I digitally change a photo I will make it plain that I manipulated the original. So as long as I am not duping the viewer then I feel justified in my changes.
So what do you think? Is it OK to digitally manipulate photographs?
Are they still photographs?