In this digital oriented day it is possible to do almost anything to an image.
This is fine and dandy but I have an ethics question.
It is more about opinions.
I scan a neg. I use some software to remove dust, hair and other imperfections.
I cannot imagine anyone getting bent about these actions but I guess there are a few.
I took a shot of a rock in early morning light. It was really nice in color and composition, good enough that I would consider a larger print.
The image was taken with digital camera but that really does not matter here.
Behind the rock and between the rock behind that was a single power pole. While taking the shot I was mentally working out why someone would place the pole in such a difficult spot. Then again I have seen worse idiocy. Basically, the pole ruined the shot. The ability to remove the pole is there. It can be removed with tools so good that only a digital algorithm could find evidence of tinkering.
Here is the question: Do you consider it unethical to remove such objects changing the photo where it no longer represents reality?
Where would you draw the line?
While driving across the SW this last trip, I found there were power lines in some otherwise exceptional landscapes. Would you bypass such a scene even though those power lines can be easily removed?
What about adjusting latitude errors in an image, increase/decreasing foreground/background exposure/tones/textures? What about simpler sharpening?
Just curious how you would feel about such modifications.
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