Far side of town

For a photographers' meeting - the Scottish BIPP hosted a day of talks. Top of the bill was Edinburgh photographer Chris Close, talking about his Book Festival project where he takes quick portraits of authors in a small, mostly outdoor 'studio' set-up. Very much a labour of love for him as no one really has a budget to pay him, even if there have been some spin-off sales after the fact. A good lesson about doing what you want to do even if there isn't the funding for it. After Chris, three of the committee talked about nature photography, wedding photography and photography and the law, although the last talk ran out of time so hopefully they will arrange another session as it is definitely an interesting subject. Was a little surprised in the discussion of the nature photography panel submission just how much photoshopping seemed to be acceptable. I would have expected it to be closer to WPP rules, but there seemed to be no issue with 'tidying up' images, dropping in a different sky or even cloning in a 'missing' foot. And the reason the submission was rejected first time round was all to do with the way the prints were presented rather than the photoshopping, as I got the impression from the speaker that such changes in post-production were all above board. Perhaps, in this digital age, the judges need to reconsider their criteria? Especially in light of the WPP's new guidelines, admittedly for press images. Although that too seems odd, as they complain about some colour adjustments while waving through a image that has turned the colour world into black and white...
Sadly the day wasn't very well attended by the membership - is that a reflection on the individualism of photographers? Seems to me there is a place for a professional body, but do enough others agree?