Tag: Photoshop

The road to reclaiming your motivation to create can be long and arduous. In September of 2023, we moved from where we had lived for 7 years. Our previous home, with its familiar surroundings and comfortable spaces, held countless memories and moments of inspiration. The decision to move was not easy and adjusting to a new environment proved challenging. As the days passed, the longing for the familiar creativity-inducing atmosphere grew stronger, but the unfamiliarity seemed to stifle the creative flow. However, amidst the struggles, small sparks of motivation began to appear. Exploring the new neighborhood, discovering local art, and meeting creative individuals slowly reignited the passion for creating. It was a gradual process, but with patience and perseverance, the joy and inspiration for creating was rediscovered. The journey was indeed long and challenging, but it ultimately led to a newfound appreciation for the creative process and the resilience to overcome obstacles.

The return of spring and the upcoming summer season infuse me with renewed inspiration. The warmer weather and longer days are awakening my creative spirit, beckoning me to venture outdoors and reconnect with the world around me. As the world outside bursts into vibrant color and life, I feel drawn to capture these moments and translate them into creative expressions. This transition into a new season ignites a sense of rejuvenation within me, allowing my creativity to flourish once more.

It has become more apparent to me that I am not a photographer, but rather an artist who uses a camera. The difference is that I work to create a photograph more than just take a photograph. While I strive to get the best result at the time I take the initial photograph it is not complete until I work it. For me, it is important to recognize that camera is ruthless. It sees and records everything. In many instances we can include or exclude elements we want but then there are times we have little to no control what may be in a scene. Let’s take the image above as an example. 

I won’t say the image was “heavily” manipulated but it was manipulated more than just basic edits such as saturation, and sharpening. There were reflections caused by lights and the wet pavement I found distracting. There were also some street signs, and other distractions that I could not have otherwise eliminated at the time I took the photograph. For me, it is about creating a piece rather than just recording it. 

It appears to me that the discussion of post-processing images is never-ending. It also appears to me that those who are against the use of tools such as Photoshop/Lightroom, or similar programs, are because of their lack of skills and ability. Post-processing isn’t always about “fixing” a photograph. It isn’t about a photographer not planning or utilizing the camera and equipment properly. The camera, cannot see as I see. 

Post-production has existed as long, or nearly as long, as photography itself. In the past, we selected films based on how we wanted to render color, contrast, and tones. If we were good we also learned how to further enhance those qualities in our chemical darkroom using dodging and burning, unsharp masks, development times and chemicals, the selection of papers, and more development. Today’s tools take us even further without exposure to chemicals and smells. As nostalgic as those things may be. 

To become a good or great photographer it is necessary, in my mind, to understand and utilize ALL THE TOOLS which include how to post-process the images.