Is using Photoshop Cheating?Written by Nick Stubbs
Is Photoshop really cheating when it comes to photography ethics?I keep coming across people accusing and being accused of "cheating" an image by using wonders of Adobe Photoshop, and that their work isn't really photography at all, but another form of art altogether. First of all, my opinion is "so what"? What does it really matter how artist or photographer got to finished image? As long as it is thought provoking and pleasing to eye, and as long as it can be used in any necessary context for publication if so desired, do we really need to know how and/or why it was done? Sure, a hard-core, original style photographer would say that true image should be made at time of capture, as event happens and that any later enhancements are misleading to end viewer. To that I say "poppycock"! For me, only true and real photography is that of photojournalism, and as I am sure you will agree, photojournalism should not and must not be tampered with for monetary gain or to purposely mislead viewer. Some of most awesome and thought provoking photojournalistic images have stayed in my mind since I was at primary school. One image that springs to mind is that of a young, naked Vietnamese girl having just been napalmed during war, running down a road. There would be no reason and no point to further enhance this image, it tells its own horrific story as it is. When it comes to photographs as an art form, I guess photographers have been "misleading" people since first "Daguerreotypes" were being made. The famous photo of Cottingley Fairies held true for years until being finally exposed as a fake. Does it matter that it was a fake? The authors have created one of most famous images and talked about legends for over a century that will be discussed for centuries more no doubt!
| | An Introduction to Cigars TodayWritten by Eddie Tobey
Despite their similarities to cigarettes, cigars have long possessed a much more sophisticated persona. Though they have often been portrayed as accessories of rich and powerful in years past, cigars have seen a much broader degree of mainstream popularity recently. Magazines like Cigar Aficionado extol joys of cigar smoking, and whole array of elegant humidors (used for storage,) boxes, lighters and other related products available to cigar smokers exude a distinctive style or persona. The humidor, most well known cigar accessory, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and price ranges. In addition, one can find many other boxes, display cases, lighters, cutters and cigar-related gifts available at local stores or online retailers. Websites like Cigarworld can direct you to a local outlet that will serve all your needs. Despite a remaining stigma regarding their legality, Cuban cigars still count themselves among most highly regarded and sought after brands. Due to their superior taste and quality, and also because of geographical obstacles to obtaining them, they have traditionally been difficult to buy and very expensive once located. Fortunately, recent relaxations of various U.S. sanctions regarding importation of Cuban Cigars has made their availability to American buyers much more common.
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