In the 2D forum there has been a question raised about postings to the Photo Gallery. It is about my two latest postings (and I think of all my postings to the Photo Gallery under my time here at Renderosity) I almost always "do" things with my photos, and wonder if it is wrong according to the rules of the gallery, and that I rather should post them to Mixed Medium or 2D. How much postwork is decent to do, and how about photo montage or collage. What is manipulation and what is not? I know this has been up to discussion before, but I don't remember what was the result, it was so long ago. Because I am on a modem connection (not so much longer, July 1 I get ADSL) I have had to concentrate my time on 2D, but from next month I can be more time on Renderosity, and also follow what is happening in PhotoForum. I have just got a new digicam, a Canon Ixus 400, so there will be a lot of photos taken if I know myself right, but also a lot of postwork, because that is the way I want to work. So, Michelle and the rest of the gang, can you give me a little clarity?

I usually let people post them where they want.... If I find an image I think goes over the realm I move it... A lot of it is personal judgement. It really is so hard to say..... However, as a guideline some criteria that I use in my own mind when viewing: Images that have 3D elements or 2D elements such as drawing or painting in combination with photography, belong obviously in Mixed Medium. Photo manipulations made from stock photography or CD's is also something for the 2D or Mixed Medium gallery. The photographs and collages on display in the photo gallery should be all the artists own work. If it doesn't look like a photography any more....and I mean really doesn't look like it ever was a photograph, I move it. So I know I've been very vague here, but it's the best I can do. In the past I have had complaints because people come to the photo gallery to see photos and some felt that photographs were being overtaken by the other stuff being posted. Some stuff really doesn't do well in the photo gallery. A lot of the over-processed stuff doesn't get too many viewings, but it depends on the artist. A well known artist will get lots of views and comments no matter what. Where is this thread in the 2D forum that you spoke of? I would be interested in reading it. :~) I know that none of what I said probably helps....sorry Gun!

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

It is in the end of this topic: June Theme 1: Obsessive Thoughts

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=371714&Start=109&Artist=rocserum&ByArtist=Yes

Hi Gunsan One way or an other, you always manipulate. Its your vieuw and cut out from reality. But I know, I had this move when Michelle removed a manipulation, and she was right. But here is a photograph who gives the expression I had that evening, but it's a combination of tree shots to complete my vieuw.Its still the mood that night. RS

Michelle, your rules are good but some examples of what is and isn't would be helpful.

rocserum, wonderful photo of the shore with all its foam. For the discussion of manipulated photos: I will be more cautious in this matter, I mean what I post to Photo Gallery. I am such a novice at photo so I have a lot to learn.

I know how you feel about wanting to mess with the photo afterwards gunsan, you are a post-artist like me...old habits are hard to break. This is what I wrote in the 2d forums discussion: ".....Post work is not necessarily digital, photographers in the days of old have been using post processing techniques in the dark room before digital cameras were even imagined. Post processing techniques today in the digital world are known by most as the digital darkroom. For example a technique I often use simulates a diffusion filter that I would have to attach to my camera. Increasing of contrast or saturation also simulates developing techniques of analog media. Postwork actually does recquire skill and understanding of digital medium, similar to skills that were needed when developing film in the dark room and achieving special effects. Now the question is where do we draw the line? Personally I find that if excessive photoshop filters are used, which alter the basic chemistry of the image then perhaps the image is better suited for the 2d gallery. No I don't think that minimal postwork on photography is cheating (contrast, saturation, cropping), because it requires as much skill and understanding of the software needed to achieve this as it does of using the camera. I can increase contrast on my camera but only to a certain level, my camera has its limitations.... where its limitations end is where the post processing techniques begin, how is that any different than what photographers have been doing in the dark room for ages?' My guidelines for myself in the photography gallery are to use minimal postwork if any, and what I use would be something that would only enhance it for impact in a way that I could not achieve during the actual shooting. I personally don't mind where you post because I love your art no matter what, and in the end the beauty of it transcends these silly discussions.

And you said it quite well mooncat. Thank you!

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com

very well said mooncat...I'm happy to come out of the dark...now if I can only figure out how to artistically use the digital filters I'll be posting more in the 2d gallery. Maybe when I retire in 20 yrs I'll have more time to play!! LOL