Clovis" 2026 Images

[clovishound]

Here is a conundrum I have over editing techniques and ethics. I already posted this image from Saturday's outing to Swan Lake. Here it is again for reference.

DSC_5639-topaz-rawdenoise.jpg

I love the detail in the female mallard, and especially like the look of the trees reflected in the surface of the water. I don't like the distracting out of focus male in the background. I should have recognized how good that water surface looked and hung around the area for the ducks to return and get more images. Water under the bridge. I decided to try removing the male in Lightroom to see what it would have looked like. Here is the result.

DSC_5639-topaz-rawdenoise-3.jpg

I don't mind using the remove tool to get rid of a small branch or blade of grass, but I really hate to substantially change an image this much. I do like the results, however. I suppose one thing that weighs on my mind is the fact that I cannot use an image manipulated in this manner to enter in most contests. That shouldn't be a major consideration, but it does factor in to my feelings toward the image.

What do ya'll think?

[CT_Shooter]

I'm strongly in favor of making the photograph as well as can be done inside of the camera, then manipulating the light and color to print or publish... but not much more than that, if we're talking about photography.

I'm having a very hard time with the concept of digital image manipulation. It's one thing to create the image of a character or an environment that doesn't exist using computers, like in Jurassic Park, Avatar, or Lord of the Rings, as examples; but I'm deeply conflicted about the newest film using Val Kilmer's image and voice in a theatrical production as interpreted by Artificial Intelligence. It's a serious issue for me as someone who appreciates art, especially filmmaking. My instinct is to reject it in all of it's forms (with minor exceptions).

Since I know it can't be otherwise, I'm glad I'm old and won't have to grapple with it for much longer. Val Kilmer's AI performance is just the first of who knows what's to come.

I'm pretty certain that life on earth in five years will not be recognizable. No Country For Old Men.