Digital editing is a necessary process in photojournalism. However, the rules of post-production are clearly defined and must not be exceeded.
At first glance, this image of the American presidential helicopter taking off is a good one.
But if we zoom in a little, we notice that there are several black dots. This is dirt on the digital sensor of the camera.
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Dirt outlined in red can be removed in post-processing.
Photo: Getty Images / AFP / KENT NISHIMURA
Catastrophe! What to do? Be assured. Using image editing software, this unwanted dust can be removed in just a few minutes.
Is this allowed? Yes, it is the exception that proves the rule. Cleaning an image of impurities is a common practice in photography. This is a fairly common technical problem that does not change the meaning and spirit of the photo.
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Dirt on the sensor is a common technical problem. They have been retouched, an acceptable operation.
Photo: Getty Images / AFP / KENT NISHIMURA
When you look at the image again, you notice that the sun’s reflections are distracting in the image.
Are you tempted to retouch them? Bad idea. Sun reflections in the lens are an integral part of the photo and should not be removed.
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Highlights outlined in green cannot be deleted.
Photo: Getty Images / AFP / KENT NISHIMURA
The nuance is important. If I take the liberty of removing a reflection, why not also remove an unwanted bird or a branch of a cattail?
Golden Rule: Don’t change reality
Getting a technically perfect photo when taking photos is pretty rare. To get a successful image, you need to perform a few steps using image editing software.
In May 2021, I created a portrait of Jean-Pierre Ferland during an interview with Patrice Roy for Téléjournal. I chose this image to illustrate my points.
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Portrait of Jean-Pierre Ferland with standard digital processing of density and colors.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Ivanoh Demers
Here are the basic customizations that are allowed:
- The luminosity : Is the image too bright? Too dark? No problem. This is a fundamental technical adjustment.
- The contrast : Increasing the contrast is allowed, but in moderation. Too high a contrast makes the image more dramatic, which can change the meaning of the event.
- Colors : Is your subject’s face a little too pink? Does the overhead light make your subject appear green? You can make adjustments.
- The vignetting effect : This effect is tolerated, but in a very subtle way. Vignetting darkens the four corners of the image and draws the eye to the center of the subject.
The photographer’s task is to reproduce as faithfully as possible the scene as it appeared to him when he shot it.
Excessive adjustment amounts to distorting reality. The effect may be interesting, but it contradicts the mission of the press photographer.
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Too high contrast and vignetting make the portrait more dramatic. The facial features are exaggerated, which does not correspond to reality.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Ivanoh Demers
A rapidly evolving perception
The introduction of several photo software on mobile phones and the popularity of modified images on social networks have changed the general public perception.
Our vision evolves and becomes accustomed to seeing changed, improved and embellished images. This development is happening quickly, even a little too quickly for my taste.
Result: Public distrust of the authenticity of the images has increased sharply.
That’s why we must not deviate from our journalistic standards. The accuracy of the images is crucial.
When a professional photojournalist puts his name to a photo, he is assuring that he has faithfully documented reality. He is putting his reputation and credibility at risk.
I just noticed that there is a little mosquito walking around our favorite singer…
Can I take it off? I’ll let you guess.
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It would be unethical to remove the mosquito, that little black dot on the left side of the photo.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Ivanoh Demers
My wink of the week
Finally, a Photoshop wink…
I recently photographed Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante with Montreal City Police Service (SPVM) Interim Director Martin Prud’homme.
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Arrival of Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and SPVM interim director Martin Prud’homme.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Ivanoh Demers
But that white sheet on the wall with the red lines… what an unnecessary visual distraction… I’m removing it!
Well, this time I did it as a demonstration. But usually I have to tell myself: No Ivanoh, you can’t do that, you have to respect the standards!
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Inappropriately retouched photo of Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and SPVM interim director Martin Prud’homme.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Ivanoh Demers