Photoshop or Not

This week, I wanted to touch on using Photoshop to edit pictures and when it's appropriate to do so and when it is overused.

First, a good photographer captures an image that is just a good photo in the first place. They conceptualize the perfect photo and how they want it to look, whether the background is clear and crisp, or if it should be shadowed and obscured or blurred. This is part of the thought process of true professional photographers, compared to amateurs trying to become professionals. There is nothing wrong with trying to become professional through trial and error. We all have been there and lifelong learning is truly the key to any profession. That being said, my point here is not to criticize amateurs, but to point out the differences between truly seasoned, professional photographers and those who are still amateurs trying to hone their skills.

A photo must be a well taken photograph before it can be enhanced with Photoshop. If the picture is already cloudy, pixilated, etc., than taking it into Photoshop to try to fix the issues is just not going to work. Photoshop is meant to enhance the subject in the photo and not fix or obscure a photo that was not well taken in the first place. 

Many times, I've seen photos that were over-photoshopped such as skin appearing plastic from too much use of the clone or blur tools. Other times I've seen blurred subjects with vignettes added, yet the subjects of the photo are still blurred, which does nothing for the subjects. Other times I've seen the use of filters that make a subject's skin appear orange or reddish in color. It's one thing to turn a photo to sepia tone or black and white or to even have fun with hues of blues or greens, but when it's done to try to cover a poorly taken photo, it means the photographer is not yet a professional.

My advice to customers:

Look at the photographer's portfolio and ask for references and recommendations. You want your special event to be captured beautifully by someone who has the skills to do so. Once the photographer has mastered the skill behind the camera and the use of light and shadows and other photography skills, they will understand how Photoshop can enhance or hinder your photos.
Have a great week.