Photoshop....Good or Evil?

[Chris-T-Photography]

hello everyone hope all is well. So the reason I started this post was to generate some community discussion. The question at hand is Photoshop...Good or Evil. With the advent of photoshop several years ago and more and more as photoshop goes mainstream we are seeing more and more artists 'relying' on this powerful tool. What are feelings on the subject and why do you feel that way. This thread is not meant to be a bash this or that thread just a place for everyone to share their opinions and possibly get a new view on something that you may not have thought about before.

My personal view is that Photoshop is a way of life now and I love it! Oh that's a little dark? It's ok I can lighten it up later. Or oh that's too warm of a temperature? It's ok I can cool it down later! This does come with drawbacks of course sometimes I do find myself useing it almost as a crutch as I think if I can fix it in post or not.

So I end by asking do you find yourself in this category from time to time? What are your personal views?

EDIT: Great topic! I hope you don't mind me jumping in - I thought it would be worthwhile to add a poll to the discussion. -Steve

[Taallyn]

The fact of the matter is that Photoshop or any post-processing method is the digital equivalent of the darkroom. While today's cameras can do some processing on their own they are not necessarily the best way to get a final image. There is a lot to be said about getting it right in the camera first. However, even masters like Ansel Adams were as known as much for their darkroom technique as they were for their camera technique. It is all part of the photographic process.

Pre-visualization
Image capture
Processing
All images go through those three steps. You want to control as much of each of the steps as possible, even the processing stage. Perhaps the image you have in mind is such that it can be captured completely at the camera. Afterward, you will still need to insure that the color balance is correct, that it is in the proper color space, etc.

The downside of Photoshop is also one of it's strengths: it gives everyone the capability to control how their images get developed. Before I got into digital photography, I had a heck of a hard time learning it because the development part was handled by someone else. That developer invariably would make corrections and tweaks to the images. By the time I got the prints, I would not be able to tell if the were good or bad because of my camera technique or if the developer "fixed" them or "ruined" them. Now, I don't have anyone else to blame. Of course, it is very easy to go too far ... see http://photoshopdisasters.blogspot.com/ for examples.

It is just a tool. It is neiter good nor evil. It is the intention and skill of the user that determines the outcome.

[Chris-T-Photography]

First off thanks to steve who made the Poll at the top. I have no idea how to do that but will look into now that I know it can be done. And also since i'm posting anyway Thanks to taallyn for the post. That is a great explanation and I couldn't agree more.

[mirmilant]

I've included Lightroom in this - I can't do without it, in the same way that Adams couldn't do without his darkroom (and in no way am I comparing myself to the great AA!)