It was like this out of the camera – I didn’t Photoshop it!

… the concept that it was “just like this out of the camera” … uh … most digital cameras apply corrections that people take for granted – they happen IN the camera.  I shoot RAW so that “interpretation” control is in my hands, not in the hands of the camera. Once by chemical, now by digital, all digital photos that are non-RAW are modified.  And RAW, by virtue of it’s nature, requires developing.   “Just like this out of the camera”  – try that with film and see what it looks like!  Ya, you have to develop it.

In recent years I have been using Lightroom (full name: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom) for most of my work, although ultimately both Photoshop and Lightroom programs are a good idea and work cooperatively – interacting with each other when needed.   Since every photo requires post production treatment, usually my objective is to restore the “reality” of the photo.  But sometimes it’s fun to make something else!   :)    

Do you wonder what Ansel Adams would say of Photoshop?  Quoting from an article on the same, “Ansel Adams — the god of landscape photography — was not offering “reality.”  He offered his interpretation. His style came from his mastery of his equipment and the darkroom.”  Adams would “manipulate” all his photos – zone shooting for tone.  I for one am glad not to be breathing chemicals :)

http://www.newmediaphotographer.com/2009/01/would-ansel-adams-be-a-great-digital-photographer/

Working for Free

Sometimes people ask me to work for free or volunteer and I have thought about the subject and sometimes accepted to do some volunteer work for non-profits, but in recent reading in a trade article I found someone who did a tidy summary of this subject – his point #5 of 7 – although many of his listed “mistakes” involve the amount of money charged for work.  This is on the subject of photography, but in my opinion this would apply to any professional work – websites, photography, etc.  It is DAMAGING to the trade for professionals to undersell themselves and/or work for free.

From the article, TOP MISTAKES BY PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS OWNERS BY 

#5: WORKING FOR FREE

This is an interesting one, and encompasses a subject I see quite often in the many online photography groups: The idea of photographing for free (or almost free) in the hopes of gaining exposure.

You can’t be in the photography business for very long without someone asking you to photograph something (often an event of some kind) for a very low rate on the promise it will give you great exposure or the prospect of more, higher-paid, work down the line.

This is an insult to the photographer, and does a lot of damage to the photography industry. The promised “exposure” more often than not turns out to be non-existent, and further work usually entails poor compensation at best.

Consider the concepts presented in items #1 and #3 when making your decision about these types of jobs, and you can’t go too far wrong.

My advice to new photographers is to not fall into the trap of imagining that just because you’re not experienced in the business that you can’t ask for what you and your photography are worth.

full text of the article is here:
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/top-mistakes-by-photography-business-owners/ 

(The article was again sent in the daily email April 24, 2015)