...i would like to point out that effectively when you put such a thread title, it would appear that anyone replying to the thread might see himself as a pro.
but that is not true, because there are only so many "pros". in fact i would refrain from using the term altogether, it is immensely misleading as to what the term actually means, whether it is a professional in the usual sense, or a person good at photography. the first is more solidly defined, i.e. someone who earns his income primarily from photography, and the second is of course, very very subjective.
in any case, my two cents, i have spoken strongly on this most of the time, the fact is, there is nothing to fear from post-processing. as mentioned time and time again in a flogged to death debate, FILM, where it all began, also involved the darkroom process, dodging and burning was invented in the darkroom. famous photographers like ansel adams also "post processed" their pictures in the darkroom painstakingly, perhaps even more so than what the normal photographer does today with photoshop. some trivia - photoshop was apparently based on what people could do in the darkroom.
history aside, since one could argue that oooh, one could get a good shot without doing any darkroom work (which i hear, is bullshit).. the fact is that even with film, where the dynamic range and image quality is still perceived to be superior to digital as of today.. even if you do not do any darkroom work (i won't know why, i don't know anything about the darkroom) i would perceive that you would need filters, etc.
so effectively, there is a manipulation of the image. what say more about digital, where dynamic range is limited? - that would jump at you immediately, i would imagine.
it is my opinion that every photographer has a vision in mind when he clicks the shutter. i am almost certain that it is not what he sees in the lcd when previewing the image. post processing is a means to achieve this vision, and to not post process your pictures almost certain reeks of laziness and a lack of commitment, at least to me, unless the shot is really, coincidentally what you want when you press the shutter. in which case, to be bluntly honest i would think you are a very boring person since you let the camera decide what you want out of your hobby/passion. a jellyfish with no backbone, even.
i hope i do not offend the purists who frequently lurk around and jump at any chance to ask "was there any post processing done?" in tiny high squeaky voices when they already know the answer.. and then do a visible hop and prance around before giving an "oh..." in some dejected internet tone like it matters anythign to the person whom they have directed the question to.
but yes, to be honest, i do not care, this is my opinion, and i'm entitled to it. cheers.
