Post-Processing: How Much is Too Much?

I've developed a more post-process-based style over the summer and it's been met with mixed reactions. I'd say half the people that see my work like my post-processing style, and the other half hate it and think that I should go with a more natural approach. So, the question I have is: how much post-processing is too much? And what defines when too much is too much?

 

Exactly PI is the limit on post processing.

 

42

 

My rule of thumb is that if I'm at all conscious of the processing, it's too much. My second rule of thumb is: set it where you think it's right, then back off at least ten percent. I don't have any philosophical objection to more processing, or any notion that what the camera sees is somehow true, but if photos look processed they just don't hold up for me. Your mileage may vary.

 

My question is is it going overboard to clone out an ex-girlfriend so you have a decent picture of yourself?

 

Only if it's discernable what you've done. Otherwise, fly with it.

 

Haha, thanks for the responses guys. I'm just having a hard time finding my own style. And of course, I'd love if the style I end up developing bodes well commercially. I've found myself going overboard a lot lately. What I mean by that is that stuff looks good when I'm doing it, then it looks terrible and fake later on.

 

Go overboard then. Do what you like. You're only lost when you don't know or aren't aware of what you're doing. So if you were going overboard and didn't recognize it as such that would maybe suck - but if you knew it and did it on purpose then that's more artsy than sucky. Err, did that make sense?

 

Yeah, haha, I think it made sense. Made sense to me at least. Haha.

 

cool!