Frans Gunterus, QPSA
April 2026 - Collecting Water Lilies
Original
About the Image(s)
It’s a digital world. SOOC vs Digital Imaging. Straight Out of Camera (SOOC) celebrates the purity of the moment??”where light, timing, and composition come together with minimal intervention. It reflects the photographer’s discipline and vision at the time of capture. On the other hand, digital imaging through post-processing opens the door to creative interpretation??”enhancing mood, refining details, and transforming an image into a more expressive visual story. Neither is better??”just different approaches: one captures reality as it is, the other shapes it into what it could be. Tell me which one you prefer. Your comments and suggestions are welocome!
Canon EOS R6, 1/640 sec at f/4.0, ISO 100, EF Lens 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM @ 40 mm
14 comments posted
(Group 32)
This is good subject, and you ask a good question.
I slightly prefer your post-processed image, but a little less post-processing, now that I have seen the SOOC image. I think the processed colors are just a bit unrealistically over-intensified, and so do not quite look natural. Posted: 04/05/2026 17:23:05
I slightly prefer your post-processed image, but a little less post-processing, now that I have seen the SOOC image. I think the processed colors are just a bit unrealistically over-intensified, and so do not quite look natural. Posted: 04/05/2026 17:23:05
Hi Steven. Thanks for your comments and suggestions. You make me learn how to listen from other opinions. Posted: 04/13/2026 01:28:39
In answer to your question Frans, I prefer the post processed image. It has had distractions removed, colours enhanced and probably other edits too to make it an arresting image.
To achieve this you had to 'see' it first so kudos to you even if it was staged at the time.
Your creative vision is enhanced by your post processing skills. Posted: 04/11/2026 05:45:18
To achieve this you had to 'see' it first so kudos to you even if it was staged at the time.
Your creative vision is enhanced by your post processing skills. Posted: 04/11/2026 05:45:18
Hi Meredith. I really appreciate your warm and encouraging words. Posted: 04/13/2026 01:29:23
I do prefer the processed image, as the colors are wonderful and really I am drawn to the colors -- the boat, the clothing on the woman, and the lily pads. The green on the pads really add a nice pop to the image. I really do like this image; for some reason I do not like the idea of taking images that were set up for photographers to take. I'd prefer photojournalistic images instead. But I do like this image. Posted: 04/11/2026 07:47:43
Hi Dona. At first, I was never a fan of pre-arranged concepts. I've always leaned toward candid, uned moments. But stepping into local photo clubs, I was exposed to a different world. Friends introduced me to travel photography organizers, and I began to see the growing pull of conceptual work.
It made me realize: photography today is no longer just about capturing reality. It's about crafting meaning. Conceptual photography is thriving-shaped by social media and the need for deeper visual storytelling. It invites us to build scenes, direct emotion, and transform ideas into images through staging, props, and thoughtful post-processing. In a way, it's not less authentic-just a different kind of truth. By the way I really appreciate your comments and opinions. Posted: 04/13/2026 01:42:46
It made me realize: photography today is no longer just about capturing reality. It's about crafting meaning. Conceptual photography is thriving-shaped by social media and the need for deeper visual storytelling. It invites us to build scenes, direct emotion, and transform ideas into images through staging, props, and thoughtful post-processing. In a way, it's not less authentic-just a different kind of truth. By the way I really appreciate your comments and opinions. Posted: 04/13/2026 01:42:46
(Groups 21 & 42 & 71)
Frans, I too like the processed image although if the original wasn't laid out perfectly the processed image wouldn't be so interesting. Your image has great visual impact. This is an excellent composition and it has great color, sharpness and definition. Was it taken from a bridge? Very original approach and well done. Posted: 04/11/2026 12:35:58
Hi Tom, thanks for your good words. To answer your question. Yes it was taken from some sort of a bridge prepared by the local photo concept organizers. Posted: 04/13/2026 01:45:18
Actually, I prefer neither. The processed image is too vivid, too saturated to be realistic. The super sharp bright outline of the boat distracts. Yet, the original is flat, dull. Somewhere in between you would have a compelling image. Posted: 04/11/2026 16:28:36
Hi Doug. Your opinions are well appreciated. Posted: 04/13/2026 01:46:26
I would edit my image very close to the post processed image here. Frans does an excellent job of making the most from a staged setting. The SOOC image is lacking some enhancements, like coloring the lily pads and flowers in the wreaths and the boat. I think the image was created via a drone. It's a fantastic image. Posted: 04/12/2026 03:38:59
Hi Bob. Thanks for your comments. SOOC images are always challenging. I asked my self how to make the SOOC more interesting than the original scene. My constraint in editing process was how to make it enough but not too much. I did not take from a drone but a bridge prepared by the local photo concept organizers. Posted: 04/13/2026 01:51:45
Hi Frans, I appreciate your post-processed image. I think your choices of "color pops" were smart and interesting. For me, the colors and shapes transcended the original subject, and held my interest to inspect the subject matter more closely.
I think it's well thought out, and I appreciate the work you created. I also like your original description "about the image" - very thought provoking. Posted: 04/14/2026 05:04:30
I think it's well thought out, and I appreciate the work you created. I also like your original description "about the image" - very thought provoking. Posted: 04/14/2026 05:04:30
Susan, Thanks for nice and encouraging comments. Posted: 04/15/2026 14:11:40