Re: [APML]: Computer processing

[a.vannini@mclink.it (Alessandro Vannini)]

>>I wish to ask everyone if it is possible we have went to far with image
>>alterations using computers?
>>
>>I recently purchased Photoshop 4.0 and I'm in awe what it can do. But I am
>>starting to feel like it's all Lies.

I totally disagree. It depends on whatever you want to obtain from
your shot: you can process your original frame somewhat
scientifically, and obtain something definitely TRUE, 'cause all the
information you are enhancing are actually contained within the
photogram; or, on the other hand, you can process your original frame
with a great degree of freedom, and go where only your mind can see
:-) Where is the lie?

When I take a shot of M42, I don't make Science. I cannot make
Science. Most of us cannot make Science. We always try to get
something nice for our eyes and our minds, that's all. Computer
processing a shot allows me to get more satisfaction, 'cause I can
reveal, and show, more details wich are actually on the photogram,
I've never used the paintbrush tool to make-up my shots! Why not to
see the faintest details my instrument was able to record on the film?
They're there, hidden; to whom should I give them, to the void? I
prefer to give the to the Deep Void!!! :-))))

>>With these new programs we are far beyond this state. I wonder if Ansel
>>Adams would have used these techniques?

Adams used very sophisticated techniques to take his shots. Take a
look at "Moonrise", it's everything but a "real" photograph. And don't
forget the intense work placed within the darkroom. I think Adams
would have been amazed by a computer with Adobe Photoshop, he thought
more about the "message" of the photograph, making personal and
surprising elaborations. The Zonal System itself is as far away as
possible from the mere photographic recording of the nature.

But this is a field very far from my personal position: I take
astronomical photographs, and try to get the best from them. And,
another one time, should I consider a CCD picture completely false,
'cause it's taken completely via computer?

----------------------------------------------------
Alessandro Vannini
a.vannini@mclink.it

Deep Void - deepvoid@geocities.com
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/7015

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