To much Photoshop?

[merock]

I know this kinda stuff is brought up all the time, but here's a good article on some images submitted to a contest and then revoked because the judges considered them to be to much PS:

http://www.pressefotografforbundet.d...x.php?id=11708

discuss.

[Cajungaltx]

dang... it looks kind of like HDR... beautiful photos...it's not like he threw in people or anything....all of the stuff that is 'in' the photo is 'in' the photo...it's just the pping colorwise/contrast that made the difference.

[mmuhlenkamp]

I could see why they pulled the images, I'd probably be okay with it, it's kind of the opposite of turning a color photo to black and white. It's a contest though, and whoever is in charge of the contest gets to decide if it's too much.

[CKing]

Agreed. Of course, you do a little tweaking so the processed RAW file better represents the color and depth that your eye saw, but like they said, "the colors are surreal".

[Tom]

If it was art, then it would be fine. But he used those as a photojournalist and they represent something that clearly wasn't there. He went way too far and I am glad the judges did the right thing by pulling them.

[Angelo]

Without going into too much, what has occurred here is exactly what needs to be done with the written word when it comes to journalistic integrity. Opinions should be directed to Editorial pages.

But, to be fair to the photographer he only enhanced colors - others would have added objects or characters to dramatize the scene. I remember reading another TPF thread concerning this very point of images taken during the war. Let me see if I can find it.

[HotHolly]

I think that contest rules need to be clarified if they needed to see multiple RAW files.

On a general note about PSing the tar out of a shot...

What is the difference b/t manipulating an exposure in a dark room and in PS? Manipulation is manipulation, is it not?

HDR has been around since 1930's. It can be done both ways (film or digital). I suppose you can do lots of stuff both ways (darkroom or PS). So, seriously, why are we all anti-computer?

Personally, I put value in things that are handcrafted. That may be b/c Im a technophobe (aka technologically challenged...a commodore64 is bitchin high tech if you ask me). I would favor PP done by hand and chemicals rather than a computer...for the aforementioned reason.

But what's the difference if the different method yields the same end results? Besides toxic chemicals are more appealing to you than a plastic box of wires? Just sayin...

[Tom]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

I think that contest rules need to be clarified if they needed to see multiple RAW files.

On a general note about PSing the tar out of a shot...

What is the difference b/t manipulating an exposure in a dark room and in PS? Manipulation is manipulation, is it not?

HDR has been around since 1930's. It can be done both ways (film or digital). I suppose you can do lots of stuff both ways (darkroom or PS). So, seriously, why are we all anti-computer?

Personally, I put value in things that are handcrafted. That may be b/c Im a technophobe (aka technologically challenged...a commodore64 is bitchin high tech if you ask me). I would favor PP done by hand and chemicals rather than a computer...for the aforementioned reason.

But what's the difference if the different method yields the same end results? Besides toxic chemicals are more appealing to you than a plastic box of wires? Just sayin...

Holly,
the journalist standards that most newspapers follow state that you can dodge, burn and crop in photoshop. That is pretty much universally accepted practice - and all stuff that we did in the darkroom.

Generally, the that you could do in the dark room as far as painting in colors, layering exposures, etc were not accepted for editorial photography back in the dark(room) ages.

[Jake]

I don't think HDR should be allowed in any photojournalist contest at all. Darkroom or PS shouldn't matter.

IMHO photojournalist should only do basic exposure and color corrections. Now I know that "basic" is very subjective, but the ones listed in the first link are way over the top.
Now in an art contest, they would be great!

Originally Posted by HotHolly

I think that contest rules need to be clarified if they needed to see multiple RAW files.

On a general note about PSing the tar out of a shot...

What is the difference b/t manipulating an exposure in a dark room and in PS? Manipulation is manipulation, is it not?

HDR has been around since 1930's. It can be done both ways (film or digital). I suppose you can do lots of stuff both ways (darkroom or PS). So, seriously, why are we all anti-computer?

Personally, I put value in things that are handcrafted. That may be b/c Im a technophobe (aka technologically challenged...a commodore64 is bitchin high tech if you ask me). I would favor PP done by hand and chemicals rather than a computer...for the aforementioned reason.

But what's the difference if the different method yields the same end results? Besides toxic chemicals are more appealing to you than a plastic box of wires? Just sayin...

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

I think that contest rules need to be clarified if they needed to see multiple RAW files.

K. Still think they need to clarify rules better. I didnt get the impression they were trying to cheat. Did you?

[Tom]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

K. Still think they need to clarify rules better. I didnt get the impression they were trying to cheat. Did you?

I don't think he was trying to cheat the contest, I think those are the pics he has published editorially, and as such they didn't fall within accepted guidelines of photojournalism and should have never been published in that way.

If he was doing an art gallery of a visit to Haiti, it is a different story. But he completely changed those photographs and crossed an ethical boundry.




NPPA Code of Ethics
Photojournalists and those who manage visual news productions are accountable for upholding the following standards in their daily work:

Be accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.
Resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities.
Be complete and provide context when photographing or recording subjects. Avoid stereotyping individuals and groups. Recognize and work to avoid presenting one's own biases in the work.
Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Give special consideration to vulnerable subjects and compassion to victims of crime or tragedy. Intrude on private moments of grief only when the public has an overriding and justifiable need to see.
While photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.
Editing should maintain the integrity of the photographic images' content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.
Do not pay sources or subjects or reward them materially for information or participation.
Do not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage.
Do not intentionally sabotage the efforts of other journalists.
Ideally, photojournalists should:

Strive to ensure that the public's business is conducted in public. Defend the rights of access for all journalists.
Think proactively, as a student of psychology, sociology, politics and art to develop a unique vision and presentation. Work with a voracious appetite for current events and contemporary visual media.
Strive for total and unrestricted access to subjects, recommend alternatives to shallow or rushed opportunities, seek a diversity of viewpoints, and work to show unpopular or unnoticed points of view.
Avoid political, civic and business involvements or other employment that compromise or give the appearance of compromising one's own journalistic independence.
Strive to be unobtrusive and humble in dealing with subjects.
Respect the integrity of the photographic moment.
Strive by example and influence to maintain the spirit and high standards expressed in this code. When confronted with situations in which the proper action is not clear, seek the counsel of those who exhibit the highest standards of the profession. Photojournalists should continuously study their craft and the ethics that guide it.