[Dabhand16]

I think the factor has to be if you want to consider your picture as a record shot, or a shot that has been made more pleasing to the eye.

For a record shot, there can be no changes other than contrast/brightness etc.

I've related this story before, but it is still relevent.

I was in Corfe village, probably more than 30 years ago. I was happily wandering around taking some pictures. I encountered an artist who was painting the view from the church looking down the high street. "I have the advantage over you" he said. " In your photograph, you will see the car parked in front to the shop, the ugly telegraph pole and wires just down the road and the sky will be grey and boring. In my picture, there will be no car or telegraph pole spoiling the character of the village, and it will be a lovely Summer's day".

Now, thanks to Photoshop, I too can make my pictures more pleasing to the eye and (for instance) capture some of the charm of yesteryear. I cannot see anything wrong with this, and I certainly do not feel any discomfort in presenting what I think is a pleasing image. Would the beholder really prefer that cellphone tower to be peeping over the period buildings? Or should the artist with his brushes and palette not have omitted the elements he thought spoilt the village? Did he feel uncomfortable presenting his painting?

I'd say not.