It is also called post-processing and it is a tool used by many, including professional photographers.

Some are skeptical and may sarcastically opine that a photo looks incredible because it is edited. I will acknowledge the latter as true but I will ignore the sarcasm. I will consider the skepticism as normal but perhaps insist that there is nothing wrong with photo editing. In fact, technology has made this possible through various applications and are readily available at our disposal. Let’s make use of them.

I am into street photography. And I take pride in using post-processing to transform some of my dull photos into more fascinating ones.

It also enables me to better convey what I’ve seen and felt whilst shooting a particularly overwhelming street subject.

Here is one downside, though.

When I started taking photographs, I fell into the trap of not using the camera’s full potential knowing that I could tweak my shots later.

Thankfully, this thought process has changed when I became more technically adept with my equipment. I’ve become an advocate of the mantra of ‘taking the best shot at the given moment’. This is a reminder that it is okay to edit but only use it to enhance rather than to completely alter a photo that was badly taken beforehand.

Post-processing or photo editing is a photographer’s personal choice.

As for me, one essence of photography is the ability of the photographer to impart his emotions into his images. And if photo editing makes this possible, then surely, it is okay.