Change is Good

 Almost every photo one sees today is Photoshopped or edited in some manner. I used to be against this type of manipulation but have come around to seeing the value in it.

Changing an image is the photographer's prerogative I suppose, but customers and admirers will send a message whether the changes are an improvement or not.

I recently walked with a group in a nearby park a few weeks ago. The Sunday afternoon crowds were starting to arrive so we began the walk down the gravel trail around the lake. Our first stop was atop a wooden footbridge where daydreamers gaze at the wonders of nature. This one image was altered to the final appearance. I'm pleased with the results as it reminds me of a painting.

This bottom photo is the original. I suppose it is acceptable but it felt uninspiring. what do you think?

We walked down a trail until another lake appeared. This one had wildlife and I snapped some photos.
The bottom of the swans on the lake scene is the original and the top is slightly altered. Not a very big difference but enough to make a difference I think. As photographers, we need and desire to impress the viewers. The top image pops a little more as there appears to be
some sunlight in the background and highlights the shore and tree line.

Here are two more sets I altered a number of years ago. The top was heavily saturated and the bottom was sepia toned. The resolution is too low for today's standards but which would you prefer?
I love color images, but sometimes a mood and subject matter requires very little. I seem to have a preference for footbridges, even back then.

I offer some of these images on my photo site . Stop by and see if there is something you like.