This may be opening a can of worms but I wondered what everyones opinion was concerning post processing of fractals.

Attached Link: http://www.arcanefractals.com

I believe art is such a personal thing. I think that when we make our images we have made them in such a way that they either make us happy or touch our spirit. That's why we do it. Now whether this involves post processing or not doesn't matter. I have seen some jaw dropping fractal images here where post processing was obviously used. And other equally awe inspiring images where there is no post processing. Actually the moment a fractal is generated pp has already taken place. Colours have been applied, layering etc. Art is like the imagination - it should be as free as the wind. Fran aka Fractal Dreamer

As in any art form, purity is prized among many artists in that particular field. I think this is most prevalent with CG artist then with traditional artist. Although I suspect that artists who work in oil have a certain amount of loyalty to their medium, as do watercolorist. So it is with CG artwork each application is beautiful on its own terms. It is amazing to see what artists can do to push the program to places that no one thought it could, or could, go; by creating an image using only a single art medium [or CG program]. Post processing [post working] of course is not a new topic, and it is always one that can stir emotions. After all artists are a passionate lot, that is our nature! Passion drives our art! As there are strong opinions in both pure and post worked images. Some artists feel that the only true (in this case) fractal image is that created totally with a specific fractal program. Others would counter that art is art and it does not matter what media you use or combine, to create your image, it is still art, and thus pure! Who is right? Both views are! After all, there is not right or wrong in art Only Passion for the Art! I am confident that the Fractal members can conduct a passionate yet thoughtful discussion concerning this topic, and at the same time be respectful of opposing views :) Dee-Marie

Hi Fran Very well stated :)

I often pp my fractal images. Most plug-ins are based on mathematics for their textures, effects, ... And often these plug-ins are even fractal maths. So, we stay in family and I don't see where is the 'purity'. Miche

I have done both, and accept the results of both from other artists as 'valid'...whatever that means. To me, it's a matter of whether the artist's vision was achieved to his/her own satisfaction.

Again, whatever is needed to reach the desired result is fine in my book. The artist decides. The audience may or may not agree with that decision, that's their perogative.

I would never question an artist's decision on post work...ever! Their vision is what makes them unique as an artist. They should use whatever tools will bring their vision to reality. The only time there should ever be a question, would be...where to post the results! I'm glad that our fractal community is so tolerable in accepting postings from software that is marginally fractal generative or images that are heavily postworked or combined as mixed media. I hope that will not change. Tres

Tresamie said it best! It is the creator of the piece that brings out the vision...some decide to use PP to achieve that...some not. There have been many beautiful and creative fractal works posted here using both approaches. Naked or Post-Processed, I welcome them all!

I dont pp as a rule. I did on one of my images only once. Not because i dont agree with it, like the others have said its the artists finished product that counts, not how they achieved it. I only dont pp because quite frankly i cant do it lol. Im absolutely hopeless at it and my images always look worse than before i started. I got lucky with my watercolour rose, but that was only using blur and a softening tool around the edges. If you can pp, then i say go for it. Anything that makes you happy as an artist and makes you happy in your work results cant be wrong :)

I agree that it is the artist's vision that counts, and not the processes used to reach it. A fractal may be beautiful, in and of itself, but the artist may see more possibilities than one program alone will allow. I've made some really cool flames in 'Apophysis' that I think could stand on their own. However, I find I will usually want to do something more, to really make it my own. You know - here a tweak, there a tweak (everywhere a tweak tweak). [sorry-it's late, I've been up too long :)] Anyway, great topic pteb, and thanks to everyone for their thoughts! Nick

I take it on an image by image basis...Sometimes an image needs a little help. sometimes, they cry out to be left alone.. Now in the case of some fractal apps like, Apophysis, and Chaoscope, you can't create layers directly in the program. the only way to do this is with postwork.. I see all of these different programs we use as tools...Use what ever tools you need/wish/desire to complete the job at hand. Would you try to fix a car with only one screw driver and one wrench? The end result is all that matters, how you get there is entirely up to you........ Pushinfaders

First i say Hi :-) Great discussion :-) bad that my English is to small to understand it all But what i see here on Renderosity there are not so much images one PP work :-) Okay a few *LOL As i have a very nice fractal pattern create and it has a few flying pixels yes i delete clean it for the best result Maybe you can say then its PP However i am agree on all people that use a manner to come to the best result but like it also to see a little line in the context from the upload I have ones work hours and hours to try to make a effect in FE that i saw from a artist no succes it all I ask him how in the world he has found it :-) I think you know his answer :-)) Hope you understand what i try to say Excuse for my bad English ciao Arend (Fractelaar)