Is a post-edited photo still a photo?

Before we can answer this question, we first have to define what post-production means, and where it starts?

With digital photography, post-editing starts within the camera. Indeed, and unless you are shooting in raw format, the camera itself is making some choices as to how to convert the bits sent by the sensor into an image: white balance, color rendition, noise reduction, compression: all of these are very complex algorithms that run in the camera before the image is stored in the memory card.

To be productive, let’s assume that post-editing is “conscious” post-editing, which is operations that you are doing on purpose after you upload the image to your computer.

Purists say that a good photographer should be able to get a good photo without having to manipulate it with a computer. This is not always true and most of the best images that you see, for example, on Flickr have been manipulated in a way, the minimum being saturation and contrast setting.

My personal position is that, as long as the final photo remains realistic, there is no reason why you would deprive yourself from improving it. Photography is not just about shooting. It is a whole process which allows you to transform a scene into a story-telling, emotion-conveying image.

What do you think?

Any serious photographer will necessarily use a digital SLR. However, I have seen many beautiful photos in Flickr which were taken with Point and Shoot cameras. So, why upgrade to SLR?

Some basic definitions first. These are extracts from wikipedia:
§  A point-and-shoot camera, also called compact camera, is a still camera designed primarily for simple operation. Most use focus free lenses or autofocus for focusing, automatic systems for setting the exposure options, and have flash units built in.
§  A single-lens reflex (SLR) camera is a camera that typically uses a semi-automatic moving mirror system that permits the photographer to see exactly what will be captured by the film or digital imaging system (after a very small delay) 

Practically speaking, P&S cameras are usually very compact and provide fully automized functions, although some can provide semi-manual modes. SLR cameras, on the other hand, are bulkier and provide more options to manually select settings.

Some of the advantages of SLR cameras are:
§  Ability to choose between different exposure modes: usually  Automatic, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Manual and, sometimes Depth Of Field Priority. Some P&S cameras might also offer some or all of these modes
§  Ability to use automatic or manual focus, which none of the P&S I know offer
§  Larger image sensor, allowing for a higher signal-to-noise ratio, thus allowing better output in extreme conditions
§  Ability to use an external flash allowing for more control over lighting
§  Specific functions as Depth Of Field preview, exposure bracketing, …
§  Ability to shoot in Raw format, allowing more options for post-editing.

In short, SLR cameras give you room to express your creativity by completely controlling the way the camera behaves

On the other hand, P&S have the advantage of being compact and much easier to use. Many of them offer very high resolutions and good focal length range, as well as some of the advanced functions of SLRs.

My choice went to SLR several years ago. However, I still use P&S from time to time, as it is handier and can be taken anywhere, anytime.

What’s your choice?