tanner.james' photostream

I'm the eternal malcontent...never satisfied with settling for one label. I don't fit into any particular niches and I like it that way--it makes life interesting, and it keeps me from getting bored.

Maybe thats my issue: attention defecit.

But it's not so much a matter of losing interest in hobbies quickly as it is a constant compilation. I'm essentially a packrat of hobbies. I pick up something along the way, learn how to do it, and stash it away in my repertoire.

To delve into a more controversial subject, I'm also a firm believer in post-processing as an essential element of high-end digital photography. Nothing pains me more than seeing a potentially great photo slapped up on Flickr directly out-of-camera.

Some do this simply because they don't know how to use or how to find post-processing software. Until they get with the program, they will never be anything more than an average point-and-shoot amateur. Claiming ignorance is tantamount to saying, "I don't bother myself with learning my trade. I'm okay with mediocrity."

Others label themselves "purists" and think that post-processing is somehow "cheating." Moreso than the first bunch, these individuals annoy me to no end. In fact, these people are generally just militant versions of the Know-Nothings mentioned above...they don't know how to post-process, therefore they refuse to acknowledge the talent of people who do. Coupled with that is their complete misunderstanding of how their camera works. All photos are post-processed, whether you do it manually or not. If you opt to leave your photos as they come out of your camera, you are relying on your camera's software to post-process your image. This is equivalent to taking your film to Wal-Mart to have it developed as opposed to developing it yourself.

Would you argue that Ansel Adams cheated because he didn't have his film developed at Rite Aid? Of course not. Post-processing has been a key part of photography since it's earliest days, and to ignore that in favor of some misguided ideology (that truly only serves to justify one's lack of ability) is outrageous.