About [Unprocessed .net]

A brief background:

Unprocessed.net is a compilation of images that are of interest to me and, hopefully, others too. New photographs are posted each day. You are welcome to post comments or queries regarding the material. All previously posted photos can be accessed from the archive. It is essential to note that photographs featured here are not literally unprocessed. Almost all digital images pass through some image editing program. The photos featured here range from virtually unaltered ones to those with minimal amounts of processing. The name arises from my perception that an unprocessed and real image is far more desirable than an over-processed and surreal one.


Ideas on image processing

The manipulation of digital images takes place both in and out of the camera. Although digital tools for post-processing are undeniably useful, a lot of times their excessive use blurs the line between computer-generated reality and the actual representation. In my experience, I try not to use these tools to compensate much for a poorly taken image or to let my imagination taint the actual picture. I do not see anything wrong with people beautifying their photographs to whatever extent; I only feel there is a need for them to distinguish it clearly from photography. The only modifications that seem justified are those that would attempt to undo the defects introduced by the medium to an extent, and bring the representation closer to reality. Therefore, I limit the processing to basic* tasks unless otherwise mentioned.

The other problem lies in proving the authenticity of a digital image. From a practical viewpoint, keeping the camera's original file is, perhaps, the only thing one can do presently. For legal correctness, it may be possible to make cameras which would output files with a key that will identify any modifications done afterwards. The fundamental issue here is the fact that any medium, whether conventional or digital, is subject to manipulation. For general purposes, the solution lies in the integrity of the one using the medium, and not a fool-proof medium itself. Ideally, one must mention any manipulations other than the most elementary*. Effects such as altering the color curves, if done to impart a special look, do require mention and also those effects which are applied selectively to certain parts of a photograph. Image processing programs are essential tools, but I believe that these should not be used to degrade the purity of photography. For me, the accuracy of representation is far more critical than its aesthetic beauty -- or rather accuracy is beauty!
* Limited to minor levels of noise-reduction, sharpening, and contrast correction.

Links

Here is a list of places where you can find useful information to start your own photoblog: Other related links: