A poster in one of my photo groups recently vehemently denounced photographers altering their photos, proudly announcing that his photos were straight from the camera. However, when questioned further, he admitted that he did basics alternations on his shots: levels, color correction and sharpening. But, he defended his actions by stating that he was simply bettering the photo and not “faking” it.

But is it? The masters of photography did alterations in the privacy of their darkroom long before photo manipulation programs. I rather doubt that they were questioned whether they dodged or burned their photo. Nowadays, it seems commonplace for artists to have a prospective customer ask them if the photo is original or photoshopped.

I was asked such a question at the last fair that I attended. While some artists shy away and avoid answering the question, I announced that, yes, I did use Photoshop. I explained that, when I take a photo, I have a picture in my mind how I want it to turn out. I use photo manipulation programs to help me achieve how I want the final print to look.

I like to think of it as the artist’s prerogative.