Posted by Howard Cheek on April 2, 2012 at 9:55 AM
I received a personal email through my website this morning.
The person (who claimed to be an artist) accused me of photo-shopping in the legs and feet to my Blue Jay inflight (attached).
They stated that they looked "un-natural".
In point of fact, nothing was done to the image other than the standard adjustments.
I know the economy's bad and disposable income is low..
Not selling many prints is one thing.
But when people (or other photographers) take the time to try & berate you, well..
There's something wrong with this "picture"
Posted by Keith Bauer on April 2, 2012 at 10:38 AM
That's too bad that you received such an e-mail. It really is a shame that some people have nothing better to do than cruise the internet and send uninformed e-mails about things they clearly don't know anything about.
Posted by Brian Gatlin on April 2, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Sure looks natural to me, Howard. If it's a fake, you sure did a perfect job removing the original legs and adding these, including the feathered upper legs, all of which look totally natural to me......
You do good work, Howard, and it is clearly a result of time and effort expended in the field, not at the screen (not that there's anything wrong with your processing!). I'm sorry to hear your work and character impugned by some internet idiot.
I guess I wouldn't give it a second thought though, you know that your work is excellent and authentic, so who cares what this person says.
It is quite obvious that this so called "Artist" know's nothing about bird's and I wonder how much about photography??????
I would actually go the other way and take it as a compliment , That the photo being so good look,s a little NOT REAL .
Have a good Easter
Posted by Jim Erhardt on April 2, 2012 at 12:24 PM
Even a novice can clearly see that these are the legs of the California Condor, which you "Photoshopped in."
Better get brushed-up on the PS skills, Howard!
Posted by Lance Warley on April 2, 2012 at 12:28 PM
That's a beautiful photo.
As my wife says to me when some people like this one say something like this, "Don't take it personally. It's not about you."
Nice photo. Generally, it's best to ignore those folks who have too much time and too little skill on their hands. Remember Coghill's Law: Never get in a pissing contest with a skunk.
Posted by Bill Chambers on April 2, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Some people are just idiots with too much time on their hands! Ignore, smile, and go about your business knowing that you're driving him/her crazy!
Some people have way too much time and imagination and it is a shame they choose to use them in a negative way. That is a beautiful image that you should justifiably be proud of. Ignore that person they aren't an artist they're just an idiot.
Howard, all the people who know you, which are all the people that matter, know that this image is the result of your incredible photography skills. I enjoy every one of the images that you post.
Howard, Your superior skill is on full display. I would not give it a second thought. Obviously the sender of the email displays his or her total ignorance of the subject.
Howard I know it's not funny to you but for someone to say the legs are added in PS is laughable! What a Dork!
I wonder if it was someone you know on someone else's computer pulling an April Fool's joke. Really.....it's just that ridiculous.
Posted by Howard Cheek on April 2, 2012 at 6:40 PM
Thank you all for your comments on this thread, They have lifted my spirits.
It just seems like lately all I get these three typical emails.
1. They tell me how much they like the work.
2. Have dumb questions about how to order (the site's fully automated) but then never do order anything.
3. Try to pick my brain for tips, or ask for permission to use an image for free..
I almost dread opening up the emails from PhotoShelter lately
Posted by Kent Staubus on April 2, 2012 at 8:22 PM
I'd blow it off.
Kent in SD
Posted by Harry Harris on April 3, 2012 at 4:54 PM
Howard, Just remember all the people who respect your skills and appreciate your images for what they are; NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL". Think of us and not that "artist".
Posted by Nate Chappell on April 3, 2012 at 11:58 PM
This is obviously much too perfect to be real Howard The person is either jealous or doesn't know much about photography.
What a fool. Don't waste brain time even thinking about this. Your considerable skills are recognized for what they are HERE - by people who have a clue about photography.
Sorry you got hassled for an excellent image.
Sandy
Discussion
21 repliesThe person (who claimed to be an artist) accused me of photo-shopping in the legs and feet to my Blue Jay inflight (attached).
They stated that they looked "un-natural".
In point of fact, nothing was done to the image other than the standard adjustments.
I know the economy's bad and disposable income is low..
Not selling many prints is one thing.
But when people (or other photographers) take the time to try & berate you, well..
There's something wrong with this "picture"
You do good work, Howard, and it is clearly a result of time and effort expended in the field, not at the screen (not that there's anything wrong with your processing!). I'm sorry to hear your work and character impugned by some internet idiot.
I guess I wouldn't give it a second thought though, you know that your work is excellent and authentic, so who cares what this person says.
I would actually go the other way and take it as a compliment , That the photo being so good look,s a little NOT REAL .
Have a good Easter
Better get brushed-up on the PS skills, Howard!
As my wife says to me when some people like this one say something like this, "Don't take it personally. It's not about you."
Don
Someone doesn't know what there talking about.
As far as the email, it's very odd and in my opinion should definitely be ignored.
Great web site by the way. I will visit it often.
William Gillis
Minnesota
I wonder if it was someone you know on someone else's computer pulling an April Fool's joke. Really.....it's just that ridiculous.
It just seems like lately all I get these three typical emails.
1. They tell me how much they like the work.
2. Have dumb questions about how to order (the site's fully automated) but then never do order anything.
3. Try to pick my brain for tips, or ask for permission to use an image for free..
I almost dread opening up the emails from PhotoShelter lately
Kent in SD
Sorry you got hassled for an excellent image.
Sandy