Over use of image processing from RAW

In view of my comments in my previous blog, this is an interesting article. Danish judges in a prestigious competition have rejected a photographer's images as being over processed from RAW. The images were changed dramatically from the original versions. The judges have raised an interesting debate about RAW processing, especially regarding photo-journalistic images.

Read the article here and see the images for yourself.

Cheers,

Paul
www.indigo2photography.co.uk
Follow me on twitter

Comments

Anonymous said…

I don't see anything wrong with the post processing of those images. They have not heavy edited in sense of new objects coming to the photo, and change of clouds and stuff. It's just playing with the contrast and the lighting.

15:08

Rudy said…

For me it depends what the objective of the photo or story is. If the objective is to document and inform on the reality, the photo's should be realistic. If the objective is to create glamour, the photo should be glamour. If the objective is to be creative, i think you can do anything you like in post processing. But you should clearly identify it as a creative work of art using a photo as starting point. In this case the results are more creative expressions ; in my opinion they are not suited for documentary purposes. I disagree with M. G. it is not just playing with contrast and lighting - this is much more.

18:51

Iain Jeffrey said…

And so the debate continues... How would the judges have considered a B & W conversion? Isn't that a significant change from the RAW original? A simple grayscale conversion would probably have resulted in a flat and lifeless image. Some manipulation of the contrast would be required, maybe extracting some detail from the shadows or recovering details from the highlights... is that going too far.

It is naive to think that the phrase "the camera never lies" has ever been 100% accurate. Photographers have burned and doged while printing from film since the beginning of photography.

I guess it comes down to the rules and the spirit of the competition... what is the purpose of the competition? Is it art? Is it a record of the technical ability of the camera carried by the photographer at that point in time?

17:53

Beyond the Obvious: Lessons from the Masters of Photography

In photography, there’s more than technical skill or gear; the real art is in connection, storytelling, and moments that matter. In this blog, I’ll explore what I have learned by taking master classes with photographers like Steve McCurry, Joel Meyerowitz, and Albert Watson. One of the surprising outcomes of learning from them was discovering just how closely my thoughts and practice aligned with theirs although I've always carved my own path. There is something delightful about finding kindred spirits. I wanted to share what I've learnt and remind us of our true practice as photographers behind the lens. Storytelling Through Human Connection A photograph should convey more than just skill—it should capture a story that resonates. Steve McCurry’s iconic Afghan Girl does this beautifully, capturing strength and vulnerability in a single frame. Like McCurry, I believe photography should reveal the depth and uniqueness of our subjects. This requires empathy, patience, and a ...

The Story Behind the Stories in My Photography

Thank you for taking the time to explore my work. Photography, to me, is a meditative act—an opportunity to be fully present and notice the smallest details. The interplay of colour and light, the textures and shapes, the shift of an expression, a gesture — these subtle moments bring me pure joy. They are why I love storytelling and creating visual poetry. Every image in my portfolio is born from a moment of connection or curiosity. Whether I’m in a bustling city street, a quiet room, or a remote location, I aim to create photographs that resonate with empathy. Take "The Cyclists," for example—what appears to be a simple scene of people pedalling along the pier transforms into a visual symphony of movement and stillness, the hurried energy balanced by the serene focus of the riders. This interplay between action and calm often draws me in. I’m drawn to capturing the essence of a person—their inner world, not just their outward appearance. My approach often dances between the...

Curiosity

Photography is more than just capturing moments; it's about telling stories, evoking emotions, and portraying the world through the lens's perspective. At the heart of our creative endeavour lies an essential trait: curiosity. This picture shows a man peering through a window cut in the wall of a hoarding around a construction site. He was fascinated by the activity, and I was fascinated by his curious gaze. Curiosity fuels the photographer's journey, propelling us to explore the world with fresh eyes and an insatiable appetite for discovery. Creativity: Curiosity is the cornerstone of creativity. It compels photographers to push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and step out of their comfort zones. Photographers can unlock their creative potential and produce remarkable work by embracing curiosity. Storytelling: Every photograph has a story to tell, and curiosity is the key to uncovering these narratives. Whether delving into a location's history, connecti...

Beyond the obvious

Search This Blog