In 1988 a computerized tool was born, forever changing the world of photography – Photoshop! With an initial big learning curve it has evolved every single year since then to now being a household name—one that gets used more often that it should be.
Brides and most photography clients have come to expect any mistake can be patched up by a skilled photoshop-knowing photographer. Be very weary when someone tells you, Photoshop is the solution for all your problems. While photoshop is indeed capable of fixing a few extra pounds, a double chin and even give you a few shades of sun-tan, it should not be expected that your photographer will do this to every picture he produces. There are limits to what an exceptionally bright photographer can do even with Photoshop at his disposal.
The word Photoshop has transformed into a verb synonymous with ‘fixing’ an image in post-processing. The advent of Photoshop has had a catalytic effect on the expansion of commercial applications of photography. Almost every single image you see around you, used commercially or not, has been modified to some extent in Photoshop (or similar other photo editing tools). Alas, the very tool that was expected to make better photographers has become a safety net for amateurs and not so skilled proponents of the art. This has gotten so out of hand that new laws for news and media outlets are moving toward organic photos to not create false expectations in today’s youth. Europe is moving toward forcing the final products in covers and ads to be labelled as “edited” if photoshop was used to change the appearance of a model
The problem comes from the everyday client who expects everything to be solved with photoshop. Statements like “don't worry about ironing the shirt, he can Photoshop that” are becoming far too common for comfort. Photoshop doesn’t solve everything. More often than not, it’s easier said than done. What it means is extra work for your photographer who will have to bill you for this. Photographers can’t really live without post-processing but there is a huge difference between post-processing and extensive photoshop. Don’t always rely on Photoshop to take care of all issues that bother you. It is always my recommendation and practice to fix an issue in the photo, before it is taken. I hear a client once email a colleague photographer to let him know that she did not think the proofs were finished because she could still see clothes on top of the bed and papers on the floor and things like that. This is a true story!!! The room should not have been a mess and if the bride didn’t realize it during her stressful day the photographer should have seen the mess in his frame and asked for it to be fixed.
Modern technology has certainly made it easy for photographers to explore avenues, hitherto out of the reach of film photographers. They can shoot at mind bogglingly high ISOs and yet not have to break into a sweat worrying about all that noise. Thus low light portraits, stunning blue hour shoots are easier to do now than they were before. Powerful fast cameras can shoot at frame rates of 9, 10, 11 a second. Thus, all those quick candid moments and micro-expressions are caught more subtly then they could have been a decade ago. But what modern technology, and that includes Photoshop, still cannot achieve is fix a photo that was poorly composed, or if the client didn’t prepare properly for the shoot. If your pose wasn’t right Photoshop cannot fix it. If your photographer framed an image incorrectly it will be impossible to correct it in post. If there is image blur that’s it. The photo is a wasted opportunity or a lost moment. If you didn’t do proper hair and makeup your photo will not be what you expected it to be.
Photoshop has often been used to eye-wash inherent defects in an image. Knowledge of Photoshop, sadly, has marginalised a photographer with superior technique and knowledge brining him down to the level of someone with better photoshopping skills than photography skills. Proficiency has to some extent given way to Photoshop.
The fact that Photoshop is becoming more and more powerful with every update the practicalities of age-old hard-earned wisdoms of photography are slowly getting thrown out of the window. You can sharpen an image (somewhat), crop out details, use selective burning and dodging, remove elements using content-aware brushes and this is just the beginning. But true artists still remain and use this tool to create stunning works of art otherwise not possible without photoshop.
When searching for a photographer choose an artist that understands light and how it shapes the subject. Never expect the photographer to alter the way you look but to capture you in the best possible way while still capturing you. If something bothers you about you or something around you, change it before the photoshoot and don’t rely on your photographer to do it automatically.
If the better version of you is what you aim for in a photograph why not be that all the time as opposed to only through handy work of a photoshopped image. Use the tool to enhance an amazing idea or to take your creativity to the next level!
CREDITS
Article written by: Alain Martinez
Alain Martinez is an international lifestyle and wedding photographer, instructor and author. His efforts with Aroos Joon have extended his portfolio into the world of Bridal Fashion photography. Alain’s work is featured all over the United States in multiple print publications and media outlets. He owns the largest non-commercial studio in Florida, one of the largest in the United States. Alain mentors photographers around the world and in his studio; an honor he believes keeps him sharp at his craft and innovative while teaching those who wish to elevate their technique.