Photography is a tricky art. It requires capturing a moment at the right time, freezing the fragile flight of a swallow or the luminous billowing of northern lights in a camera’s lens.
When I started getting into photography and took lessons (see my blog posts Macro Photography, Black & White Photography, and Photo Editing with Lightroom), I originally edited my photos, adjusting the tint, sharpness, contrast, and many other options. Though editing was fun and a good learning experience for alteration, after my lessons I stopped “correcting” them. Perhaps it was a touch of laziness – but I also just felt that my photos didn’t need to be continually changed.
I know many photographers choose to edit their photos, sharpening the focus, enhancing colour, brightening the whites and darkening the blacks. (Sometimes, it is crucial to edit – take, for instance, black-and-white photography. While processing film, hair, dust motes, and bits of debris can show up in the end result, which can be taken out with spot treating in apps such as Lightroom or Photoshop.) The end result is usually a stunning photo, if a bit dramatic. But photography is all about showcasing a moment in time, and why not make that moment all the more impressive?
Though I admire those photographers, I’ve chosen to not edit my images. I take pride in showcasing them naturally – after all, nature and the natural world are my key subjects, and it would feel a bit ironic if I took the time to artificially alter them.
My photos are not meant to be perfect, nor would I want them to be. Though I do spend time in each shot attempting to focus perfectly on my subject and clearing any noise from the background, I also want to share the beauty of the messy, imperfect world that is our home. Call it a reminder that we don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful.
Not editing my photos also ensures that I focus more on the shot I’m taking and how I could make it better. Because I’m not filtering or enhancing, I look instead for natural dramatic colours, like the salmon-pink sunsets or fiery hues wildflowers. Thus, I observe even more of this raw, authentic artistry.
I am continuing my journey of “super natural” photography, and I don’t see any end to it in the near future. Perhaps for selling my work I’ll consider the occasional touch-up, but I think the unedited aspect is more appeal to those who appreciate it.
So, here’s to sharing more of my photos – simply, super natural.
Love this post and the concept Hazel.
Thanks, Mom! <3
I must admit, I usually crop my pictures and hit the “Auto” enhancement filter to highlight the subject of interest. I definitely notice a difference in contrast and colors using those tools. You have your craft down to where your photos capture the natural essence of the subject and always draw me in, sometimes triggering emotional responses. That is an art! Did you actually take this picture of yourself (tripod or placed on the ground)?
Using filters and enhancers are very ingrained in our society, especially with the aspect of social media. Though I wouldn’t say that that is necessarily a bad thing, I think that we should focus on being more authentic and honest, even in photography. And I didn’t take that picture, haha, Mom did.
By the way, I had to look up what “dust motes” are… I have never heard of the term but sure have witnessed them over my life time.