Shooting Real Photography (#RealPhotography) Cos I Can’t Be Proud of What I Didn’t Shoot
Nowadays, we can’t trust that a photo is really a photo, because there are many AI-generated images looking like photos. 😅
Even 20 years ago, it was possible to replace the sky, add fake reflections on water, etc. by using a layer mask in Photoshop, but today these can be done with the click of a button or two!
I come from graphic design background with extensive Photoshop skills, but when it comes to photography, somehow I’m quite a purist. 😅 I don’t do any excessive editing or composites, let alone using AI tools.
Nowadays I see some photographers using #RealPhotography hashtag on Instagram, Twitter, etc. to distinguish their photos from composites and AI-generated images.
Photography to me is all about self-satisfaction. I just love the experience of being at a waterfront cityscape photography spot in the sunny evening, patiently waiting for the right moment to shoot a single long exposure photo at the peak of blue hour.
It’s not every photography outing that results in a photo worthy of a place in my Home Gallery (very seldom, actually 😅), but that’s part and parcel of photography life that I’ve come to accept. I don’t want to replace an undesirable sky with a pretty one and showcase it like I’ve captured a masterpiece.
To me, there’s no satisfaction in doing that. I’m a photographer shooting #RealPhotography, and I can’t be proud of what I didn’t shoot.
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About the Author: LASTLIGHTS.NET is a passion project of Joey J, a Singapore-based Japanese photographer primarily shooting cityscape photography with long exposure at blue hour. Visit his Home Gallery (30 most favourite photos taken) or download his free eBook, Getting Started with Long Exposure Photography.
7 Comments
I agree with you about not feeling proud if it wasn’t a photo I shot. I am all about being authentic and showing true representation in my photos, too. All of my pics are undoctored.
Yes, indeed! Interesting to know what AI can do, but it won’t be a part of what I do with photography.
I am with you. I try to take the best photo I can and limit editing. I prefer my photo to highlight natural. I use Lightroom and know very little about Photoshop.
Indeed! I’m still using Adobe CS4 from 2008. 😅 Back then, there was no Lightroom, so I’ve never touched it until now…!
Best wishes! I am sure it would benefit my photography to learn PS. One of these days…
Your home gallery is beautiful. I can’t take good photos. ☺️
Thank you, Priti!