Too much editing?

[TobyMac]

I posted the first Image a while back in another thread but since then I have done some more editing to it to try and clean it up a little, mainly removing the stray branches to bring the focus more to the bird. This got me to thinking, how much is to much editing when it comes to wildlife and nature photography? Although I like the edited image more I do feel a little uneasy because to a degree it is not a natural photo anymore, I would love to know your thoughts on this?

European Roller (Coracias garullus) by Tobias Weber, on Flickr

Cleaning by Tobias Weber, on Flickr

[JR1]

is it me or are they way way toooooo bright, in fact the background could go way lower still

If you are unhappy that I made adjustments please say and I will remove the image

As suggested

Simple editing

Elements-adjust lighting-highlights and shadows

[Shadowman]

I like the original with the protruding twigs. I think editing out the twigs is no more different than if you physically removed them, you can always claim what steps you undertook during the edit, but for the most part no one will balk; unless altering the image was strictly forbidden.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Tobias,

My feeling is that what you did on this is acceptable.

The decision on 'how much is too much' can only be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Factors determining the outcome might be;

intended image usage
composition
subject species
subject conditions
what has been done
risks of causing harm/distress by trying to get a clearer shot
editor's intent

Taking a more extreme example ...

We may (as photographers) often shoot animals at zoos through glass, mesh or bars and we'll use various techniques to overcome these at time of shooting and quite possibly also in Post Processing, to give a clearer view of the animal. As long as we don't try to pass these off as 'shot in the wild', most (especially here) would agree these actions are acceptable.

That said, someone with a strong views on the incarceration of animals for gratuitous public display and profiteering would probably say that is going too far and if they shot the animal themselves, may take an opposite course of action to highlight their captivity.

In certain circumstances, e.g. seeing distressed caged animals for sale in markets, almost anyone that might do the former normally will probably do the latter.


I like the darkened highlights in Jeremy's example.

[NorthernFocus]

IMO you haven't gone too far by removing the twigs. I take exception to ADDING elements to images or producing composites and passing them off as-shot. What you've done here hasn't altered the fundamental elements of the capture.

[JR1]

i have edited my post as suggested to say what i did

[TobyMac]

Thanks all.

Jeremy I don't mind the editing but it's not really my style, I find it a little too contrasty but I do see what you mean and maybe ill darken it just a little.

Thanks John!

Thanks Dave! It's basically a situational thing then and what the image is trying to say, makes sense to me The example with the caged animals really brings the point across.

Thanks Dan, I see what you mean by adding and I wouldn't ever go that way, I think when it comes to wildlife that I consider that cheating. I suppose removing something that was seen is one thing but adding something and claiming that it was seen is a different story.

[Rebel]

I prefer the first image with the little twigs to be honest.

But I don't really think about "how much editing is too much," it is all about the final image for me.

[JBW]

Not to steal the thread but in my never very humble opinion how much is too much really depends upon what you are doing with the shot. The following shot started off as a shot of a rather pretty flower in our garden. But it didn't end up that way.

[AB26]

Tobias,

This is very much a moral question. If it bothers you, don’t do it.

My personal opinion is: if it is possible to change in real life terms it is not immoral to change in PP.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Brian,

Yes, what you've done there is covered in two of my (very deliberately) vague points;

intended image usage
- and -
what has been done

Here you are clearly producing a piece of art and that's fine.

(and a very fine piece of art it is too)

[TobyMac]

Thanks Andre I really like the Idea of if it can be changed in real life it's ok
Brian it is indeed a very nice piece of art.