My Non-Technical Photo Blog: It is Okay to Edit Photos

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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.

fascinating shapes and shadows

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.

changed image into black and white to remove distraction and emphasize convergence of shapes and shadows.

Hometown Fortress (Dakiwagan: Up Close and Personal)

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early morning panorama
a majestic magnificence

I’ve been hesitant about sharing this one other wonder of nature. I guess I’ve seen enough of what happens when some individuals exploit the very thing they admire. I prefer that the world remains oblivious to its existence. Nevertheless, let me put my negativity aside and find the right words to justify such beauty and splendour.

Dakiwagan mountain looms majestically over a tight-knit Kankanaey community of Balakbak, Kapangan, Benguet, Philippines.

There was a time when I have braved the cold, almost frosty mornings to trek to that opposite hill and capture a stunning scene of clouds which to me, seemed to have descended from the sky to kiss and tame Dakiwagan’s gargantuan frame. I have lingered long enough to watch the same clouds dissipate, while the sun maneuvered its way to envelope and waken a slumbering gigantic rock! A priceless panorama!

sun envelopes a giant!

Dakiwagan is like an enormous mural on someone’s wall. It is the neighborhood’s awesome backdrop and at daytime, it appears to be keeping watch as the folks go about their daily routine wherever they may be; at home, the hills, the farm or the ricefields. I have wandered around this humble hometown of mine with the view of the mountain always visible at every turn.
As the day draws to a close, it gets engulfed in darkness and at first glance, becomes ominous. I have always accorded it a second look and my heart comfortably likened it to a fortress that shelters its people through the night.

Faces keeping watch
fortress through the night

I feel blessed that this magnificence is a part and parcel of my childhood. I took it for granted for a long time. But with more and more people exploring further than the common tourist spots, I now feel very protective of this hidden gem.

Photo credits: dehl/rizza