to edit or not to edit, that is the question

I have had a hard time giving myself to photo editing. I tend to be a purist and have always tried to get my photos right straight out of the camera. Editing seems like cheating. I mean, Ansel Adams didn't have an editing program. But then I realized that even in editing, you have to have a good picture to work with. You still have to consider composition, lighting, depth of field, exposure......

exposure.....

like the above photo I took yesterday that was overexposed. I didn't realize it was overexposed until I downloaded my pictures and I was so disappointed! I didn't want to consider it a loss, because I really liked the composition, so I took it to editing.


And here's the finished product. After using a focal softness effect and a dark green vignette to darken the edges, I think the photo is a keeper. I guess editing is an art form in itself, learning what effects to use to get the best out of your photo. With all the tools available, you can really enhance the picture and bring out the best in it. (I will have to quit being a photo snob now. But Ansel, I still hold you in the highest regard.)