In the church - 4

I feel like this little work is turning out pretty nice (as opposed

to the one on Red Cross that is stuck). I really like these first

pictures and I already have a few more to post that look really nice

as well.

Is using a layer mask to selectively brighten or darken parts

(deleting the curves effect on an already white wall for example)

considered a manipulation too? Not that I really think it's

important, but many people do and I don't want to "cheat" on them.

Simone

Yes it needs a better light. I noticed that while fixing that higlight in the center. The more I removed it, the more the picture became flat. It's really not easy to find light at all in those places, so I should maybe start bringing something with me like a flashlight. I'm not sure the priests would be very happy with that :)

Simone

Simone, I know exactly what you mean about light. Some of these places are so "buried" because of the architecture that they rarely get seen by direct sun. I just love all these old crumbling walls that you have here but my eye was having trouble figuring out where to rest. So I experimented with a crop (hope you don't mind!) What do you think of something like this?

Of course I don't mind, I actually appreciate it very much. I like your version, it's very similar to one I just uploaded (well I felt they were similar before looking back at it :)

Simone

Is using a layer mask to selectively brighten or darken parts (deleting the curves effect on an already white wall for example) considered a manipulation too?

I suppose that if you use this technique to expand dynamic range, it can be compared to dodging and burning in the traditional darkroom. Consider it normal photographic practice rather that "manipulation".