Being a strong believer in compositional theory and the rule of thirds, I can't bring myself to crop this closer. and that washed out area to the upper right I could stamp it in with leaves, I must be honest, I feel quite guilty making image inhancments via the computer, Iv always tried to restrict myself to what I could accomplish manually in the darkroom.I'v thought that if the image is compromised through the use of a computer, then is it really photography any more? this is a debate I have with myself all the time ..LOL..perhaps I should join the age of computer enhancment and anything goes..BUT.... is it still photography?
Marty, Stick with non-manipulation of photographs. Post manipulation to enhance and saturate is alteration of the original work and to my mind constitutes cheating. You know it makes sense.
....happy days are here still. yes yes chris....I so totally agree with you ....as it was zigackly my feeling when i saw the picture....Marty, my limited vocab falls way to short to describe how much i admire the talent and artistry you and a WHOLE lot of other's here at usefilm possess....
These are thoughtful comments, Marty. As you know, that debate about manipulation began long before computers were around. Recall the era of "double images" and ghosting used by some photographers for deception and salesmanship back in the 20's. You could also look at the use of filters. What is the difference between using a filter on a camera lens, and using a filter later in the darkroom or photoshop? For that matter, you could look at the use of specialized films. I would classify darkroom manipulation in the same category as computer manipulation. I, too feel a little guilty when I erase a blemish on an image that I don't like. The critical issue seems to be honesty. However when images are widely shared, the photographer often doesn't have control on how it might be presented (or even manipulated) later.
Ok several things..... 1) photoshop work is no different than darkroom manipulation or retouch of yesterdays with airbrushing 2)the high key right side adds to the image and justifies the rim light on the kids so leave it 3)definitely crop off the left that Bozo er I mean Gary said;crop vertical to pull the black band in the bush off it isnt needed and pulls 4)NICE JOB MARTY....
This is a beautiful picture, and I agree with Ray, this is the computer age, and I love it. Where as I'm just learning, I was raising my children watching them have fun like these two boys, at the time all the computer "stuff" (PC) was being brought to fruition, and just now got my own. For the everyday, beginner, I'm quite sure, especially those in mid forties and older, this is a new world. It cost quite a bit of money just to purchase a new camera, equipment to go with it, and what a way the camera has come, since days of past. The way I see it, if a person takes a photo, that photo is the copyright and creation of that individual. Even our wonderful, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart, Artie, who looks at each photo and shares his years of knowledge with us, knows that photos have been "fixed" in some way or another for years and years. Not everyone has the same equipment as the next person, so each individual works with what they have and creates their photography in ways that they see adds to or enhances their photography. I don't have a studio with any equipment, but the camera I have has all kinds of gadgets to learn and experiment with and that's just what I do. I've learned from my friends at Usefilm that, yes, I have been basically pointing and shooting, now I take the time to "set-up" a photo and take several shots,(which by the way makes photography even that much more fun) (sweat from 90 degree temps and all). I've only just started this the past three weeks and haven't gotten any results back, but just know things will be falling into place. I just had to add all this (my thoughts) to the comment site on this paticular picture, because of the photo,(I have two grown boys) and because of the comment by Ray.
Marty, another excellent picture, capturing and expressing the moment so well. I do not mind theexcess frame at left (sorry, Gary :-). I think it adds to the feeling of space and freedom that these children are playing in. (Didn't everything seem so big and spacious when we were that age?) Your comments on computer "enhancement", well, I look at it a different way. I don't have access (or space for) a darkroom these days, so look to the computer to give me the "image enhancement" capability that way instead. You have a darkroom, so think of the computer as an electronic extension of that. At the end of the day, if you do not capture 90+% of the image you want on film, then no amount of darkroom and/or computer work can add that back in. Keep the work coming - it's a delight to have you (and your pictures) here.
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Deleted User{K:6775} 7/21/2001
Hey Marty....How could I not tell you about the best photography site on the web *big smile* I'm just happy I found it and was able to share with you!
Now your pic...one of my fav's by the way. Only thing that bothers me is the hot area on the top right side...would crop that out and also just crop a little off the left side to balance. Other than that...what can I say....its a wonderful image. You captured the moment with a grab shot, composed it right and got some great back lighting that worked for you. Excellent shot!! *smile*.....Maggie
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