bottle….heart….window - series

bottle….heart….window

*edits to all images: resize, convert to black&white using channel mixer

How much editing makes a photograph a manipulation?

There is one question in photography that is answered again and again.
“How much editing makes a photograph a manipulation?”

60% of all photographs I see around the internet are visibly color-edited. But is that not okay to do to bring out the emotion you want in it? The photograph is still the same, just with different. If I remember correctly; color editing can be done in a darkroom. I myself have never been in a dark room and I do not know how to use one, but I believe that this can be done (although I could be wrong).

I do not think that color editing (unless it is very extreme) makes a photograph a manipulation. Not contrast boost either, because if you feel that you need more contrast than the camera is able to give you, that should be allowed.

What does make a photo a manipulation?
Adding things to a photograph, I think, that is manipulating. Even if it is necessary to the context, I view that as a photo manipulation. Also changing the background qualifies as manipulating, in my opinion. Changing colors on part of a photograph can also be manipulating if it is not done ‘correctly’. E.g. changing the color of a spot on a cow would be considered a manipulation in my eyes. But maybe if it is clearly stated that this is done out of e.g. a concept of illustrating being different then maybe I would see it otherwise.

I think this is a question with many possible answers that go into many different categories and contexts. It also depends a little on each persons view and what it will be used for.
Art photography leaves the photographer with more editing freedom while in photojournalism almost no editing is allowed at all.
This entry lacks real arguments and points of view, I know. But boredom can only lead to so much.

Third greyscaled nature piece

Greyscaled Nature

My boredom drove me to greyscale and add contrast to a few of my nature images so I framed them the same and called every piece greyscaled nature.

These are two of them (click on them to view full size)