The eternal fix it in Photoshop or get it right in the camera debate drives photographers crazy. There are many ways to create an impactful photo, especially with the AI processing tools that we have. Which way is right?
Scott, from Tin House Studio, explains in this video his view on the entire argument. He is a commercial photographer, so he will be approaching the issue from that perspective. It is obvious that this will be a very different perspective from a fine art or photojournalist. His approach is still worth listening to.
Scott explains that commercial shoots are often very expensive, and involve large teams on set. It can be a stressful situation to have to do everything perfectly.
Efficiency
Scott believes that efficiency is the key to successful product photography. Each hour is a substantial investment for the client.
It’s great to get the perfect shot right out of the camera, but what happens if you are unsure about the background color or minor flaws on your product? It may be cheaper to use a neutral backdrop and fix any problems in post-production.
When shooting moving images with high frame rates, each second counts. It’s tempting, but it is more efficient to fix some imperfections in post-production rather than in camera. It’s not the same when it comes to video. In real life, you will remove all dust before anything else.
Maximising versatility
It’s not just about what is the most time and cost-efficient. Also, it’s about maximising creativity and versatility. Clients today often require flexibility in the commercial world. Clients may want images cropped, composited or repurposed differently than they originally intended. It is here that shooting with high resolution cameras and having a variety of post-processing tools available becomes essential.
The end goal is what matters
What matters is the emotional impact of the image, not the process you used to create it. The journey is less important than the emotional reaction it generates.
Next time you’re torn about whether or not you should fix it in post-production, keep in mind that there is no “one-size-fits all” solution. Let your creativity lead you and embrace the flexibility of modern photography, whether you are shooting for fun or profit.