Photography: RIP Photoshop in 2012, the cruel story behind the photo...
The cruel story behind the photo... a real concern.
But first let me take this opportunity and wishing you all a fantastic & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In a few days we’re moving into 2012 and this is my last post for 2011 with the conclusion that there is NO room for Photoshop in photographing Documentary, Nature, Journalism, Culture, Travel and in true story telling. RIP Photoshop in 2012!
I have written many articles on this subject and I am not going into details anymore but rather get to the point right away. We all know the pros and cons about Photoshop and how it has changed at least for some of us the way we look at photography today.
PS has its place in the commercial world or in graphic design, but there should be no use of any manipulation if we photographing the subjects mention above.
However if we do alter the image then it should be stated with the published work that it has been digitally altered.
Now to my concern and the story behind the photo:
The Olgas in Central Australia
More images from the Book Journey Through Color & Time
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
The image in question above, the Olgas with a Rainbow taken in Central Australia was part of my exhibition during the Launch of my Book “Journey Through Color & Time in 2006.
It was during this exhibition that I overheard a group of people saying how wonderful and great this image was, with the exception of some comments that this could only have been done in Photoshop.
Now that is cruel if you ask me… I contained my disappointment and anger, even if I had to explain it to them they would have not believed me, as the saying goes, good photos do not need an explanation.
So here we are…or where are we? These where educated people believing great images are created partially in Photoshop and this is where the real problem lies.
The said photo was created way before Photoshop existed, even Computers where in the infant stage, a blow below the belt to the artist/photographer.
Taken on Kodachrome 25 ASA, at the right time and a little bit of luck with the weather.
Mustering Cattle Central Australia
Kodachrome 25ASA
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Yes, of course times have changed and we do use digital cameras, but we should refrain from any manipulation. If it can’t be avoided then we should state this loud and clear and stop fooling the public, because soon or later nobody believes anything anymore.
But how much is allowed? In the digital age we have to apply a certain amount of post processing e.g. sensor dust removal, some sharpening, minor contrast increase, of course cropping and straightening.
Some adjustment of the color temperature for images taken under difficult lighting conditions plus a few minor tweaks all amounting to less then 10%, good Photographers shoot right in the first place and do not rely on PS, we done it on film so why not now.
Wild Horses Top End Australia
Kodachrome 25ASA
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
You might think that I am old fashioned or outdated, well its rather the opposite I embrace technical advances but I don’t agree with distorting nature or telling stories with manipulated images.
Software like Aperture, Lightroom or some others allow us to make basic adjustment and more, plenty good enough for our images.
If you have only PS then use it only for the basic RAW conversion and minor adjustments as mention above.
If your creative juices start flowing and you have to manipulate beyond the norm then state so below the image, this will gain you respect and is truthful to you and the public.
Provided by nature our Eyes are the best cameras since birth, we need to learn how to see, the rest will follow.
All the above is only my Opinion, but I know I share this with many others.
As for me in 2012, I continue to create images without the use of PS like I have done for the past 30 years, so RIP Photoshop for 2012 and beyond.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
GD
Just one more without Photoshop…
Varanasi India 2011 - Digital Image
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
AUPN changes the Name to Aperture Users Network
Introducing the Aperture Users Network
( posted by David Schloss on Yesterday, 07:14 PM )
We took advantage of today's big Worldwide Developer Conference to make the first part of a change we've been waiting to do here. We're changing our name from the Aperture Users Professional Network to the Aperture Users Network. Yes, we're still here for the professional photographer. Yes we still offer content and educational designed for the professional.
But since Aperture 2.0 shipped we've noticed that more and more non-professional shooters have been using the program. We're seeing this in our classes, at photographic events and at in our forums. And we've gotten a lot of emails from people who are asking about joining our group, but start off with "I'm not a
professional photographer but..." read more @ http://www.apertureprofessional.com/showthread.php?t=16263
Luis Martin Harder…his first Exhibition at One Workshop Gallery in Manila & at the same time “Reunion” with some of my students from the Cambodian GDPhotoWorkshop.
Cool images by Luis Martin Harder…
“Unscripted”
All Photos above by Hermes Singson, by the way
Luis is the one in the dark maroon/blue shirt
Congratulation to Luis Martin Harder one of my students from the Cambodian GDPhotoWorkshop last year…he really went out his way and show cased his very first Exhibition on the 13th of May in Manila.
Since Cambodia he has done real well, more than 30 images from Cambodia and the Philippines are on display, very impressive work I might add and I am very proud of him.
A good and mixed crowed attended the opening night at the One Workshop Gallery including other familiar faces like good old Bebet Gaudinez (I am just waiting to see
his Exhibition) and Jasmine Manabat who also attended my PhotoWorkshop last year,
almost like a “little reunion”.
Photographers like Wig Tysman, Tilak Hettig, George Tapan and many other personalities including Henry Bateman Artist/Writer showed up to give Luis the credit he deserves, of course the host Photographer Master printer and Artist Ross Capilli and his wife made sure everybody had enough to drink and eat. Thanks Ross.
Congratulations again to Luis Harder for a great show and super cool images…
You might remember from one of my earlier blogs…he was the one who received the Aperture software, (which was sponsored by the Power Mac Center in Makati) during our Cambodian GDPhotoWorkshop, see the image below in case you have forgotten.
Thanks for inviting me and being part of your show, keep up the good work Luis.
GD
The winning shot, by © Luis Harder, Cambodia 2007
APERTURE 2 Tip...where do I find my Camera info...this is nice if You like to compare DATA...very cool & not only for the Pro's...
A cool little Aperture 2 Tip...
Where do you find at a push of a button YOUR Camera Info when you like to compare your shots after the shoot in Aperture 2.1
See the provided screen shot below, the small drop down menu (small red circle) is where you find ...Show and Hide Camera & Color info...the red oval shows you the data, you have to be in the adjustment mode/panel.
This is very useful when comparing shots, what might have gone wrong or right...You can also move your Cursor over the image to get the color Value in between the images, the grey area will show you the Camera info. Play around and you find this is a very useful addition in Aperture 2.
You can also move your cursor over your Thumbnails... for those of you who are still in the early stage of Photography this command is great for analyzing your images quickly.
Try it out and have some fun...Aperture is not only great for the Pro's but it can help you to take better images by quickly finding out what went wrong or right.
GD
Visit Gunther Deichmann's website @
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/home.html
Gunther Deichmann UPDATED BLOG Page...see for yourself and go to http://www.deichmann-photo.com/blog.html
We keep these to a minimum number, we like to be informative and not clutter up our site, they are very much related to photography, travel, latest on Aperture 2, the Digital Photo Center in Palau complete with Wi-Fi and Aperture, Underwater Photography and other similar subjects.
Now a special mention on the new PALAU TOURS Website, announced only today... a great NEW SITE for PALAU in Micronesia with stunning images and very informative text...
"The Pearls of the Pacific" and Natures best kept secret.
Click on the image and visit the NEW PALAU TOURS WEBSITE
http://www.palautours.com/
Click on the image and visit the NEW PALAU TOURS BLOG
http://www.palautours.com/blog.html
This new site is still undergoing development, but it is out in Cyberspace now, including the NEW PALAU TOURS BLOG with frequent up dates, check the blog @ http://www.palautours.com/blog.html
GD
