Darkroom Manipulation Vs Digital Photo Manipulation

They say the brightest of images are born in darkness. But the days are gone when the photographer's dark room used to be a chamber of secrets. The world has accepted photo manipulation as a coveted art form. Whether for commercial or personal purpose, it is an integral process. The advent of digital photography has played a major part in it. Developers have handed over a magic stick in the form of photo editing software. With the simple tools and techniques that these software offer, anyone can turn to the art of image manipulation.

So what is Photo Manipulation? From restoration jobs to enhancement measures, the removal of unwanted elements and introducing the image to a new background, all come under its gambit during processing. The enhanced uses of several techniques make it possible to serve different purposes. Be it for commercial purpose where image are used for advertising or personal archives, where perfect images are much in demand.

Photo manipulation and modern techniques

In early years of photo industry, the photographers would follow simple techniques to manipulate photos. But, at present cutting age technology is used to create prefect results. It also includes texts and graphics as well. The crux of image editing is associated with software used for this purpose. The extensive use of software like Adobe Photoshop and Coral draw have brought in the change in the way world looked towards images.  Many innovative tools like clipping path, image masking, photo retouching are used too. The software can also be used to introduce 3D effects. This is particularly used in case of commercial photography. To add, a beautiful background or to remove one is a tactful job for the editor.

The scope is as varied as the human imagination. One of the best uses is to restore old photos. Often some parts of old photos get destroyed. With correct tool at hand they can be recreated to appear realistic. To create a composite image using elements of many different images is not only fun but is an artistic expression. As for the editors, they need to be ethical in their work. It is the element of honesty that helps the career further. Whether ‘doctoring', ‘altering', or tweaking is done, it should not be deceiving at any point. Fake pictures only give bad press. But a good visual attracts compliments.

Is darkroom manipulation totally outdated?

To the amazement of many, it is still in practice. Though they are a few in number but some artists still believe that the darkroom is indeed a chamber of secret. And they create magic out of it. It is interesting to note that most of the modern digital techniques have been picked up from darkroom techniques. When these techniques are used in its original form, the result is mind-blowing. The only difference is that digital photo editing is easier as compared to the darkroom techniques. And the digital techniques are for everyone but to create images in darkroom need special expertise.

So, while darkroom represents the mystery of the past, the digital techniques hold the reins of future.

Atiqur Sumon - About the Author:
Atiqur Sumon
Chief Executive, DTP & SEO Expert at Outsource Experts Ltd.
Photo Manipulation | Image Manipulation | Photoshop Photo Manipulaton