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In talking to people lately I've noticed that they've used the term 'Photoshop' to mean any kind of digital editing.
So even if they are using iPhoto or any other kind of software they call it 'Photoshopping' not digital retouching (that last sure doesn't roll easily off of the tongue). We just don't seem to have a good word that describes post processing.
In the two years since I started editing my photographs in the computer I've noticed a shift from; the-only-good-picture-is-one-that-comes-straight-out-of-the-camera to you-have-to-be-an-excellent-photographer-PLUS-a-talented-and-knowledgeable-post-processor to really created a compelling image. I find this curious because it's just a shift in opinion.
The deeper I delve into digital photography the more I think that we've just barely entered the digital image age. Which is why I find innovative ideas like mirrorless cameras fascinating. I'm surprised, now that cameras have GPS's - why isn't there a good camera with a basic phone?
Here's my crazy idea of the day. Now that our pictures have all kinds of meta data attached to them...and now that there's face recognition and all the ways to sift through images (thank you Flickr apps developers) why doesn't someone come up with a digital image iPod concept? It could be used as screen saver or in a digital picture frame. Or any way that you can view digital images. Wouldn't it be fun to have 'playlists' that were for types of images instead of songs?
http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/att...0&d=1238078824
Now, it does not matter if the original image is overlit or underlit or the lighting is horrible,the easy answer is that it can be corrected in photoshop.
I still do believe that a good image should be achieved straight through the camera and would only need basic retouching such as cleaning the imperfections on people face).
But I disagree that 'Photoshop' is a dirty word. It's only today's equivalent of the old darkroom; dodge & burn, cross process/bleach bypass.
And it does matter if the original image isn't great. You may be able to make a so-so image okay ~ but it can't really be made compelling...for that you need to start with a good image.
My point about knowing your way around post-processing still stands. Of course it shouldn't be overdone but if you don't know what's possible then you can't tweak the image subtly to perfection.
Being an expert in the digital retouching does not in any way excuse you from being a good photographer.