It's even more important when there's a model and photographer but some of the others are missing. Which is likely. It's advisable to sit down and explore the emotional investment put into the work and how Photoshop can maximise it. Maybe the problem is 'mindshop' the photographer falls in love with his model, his picture or his idea and can't believe it's not working.

But the shock comes when posting.

The model looked skinny at the shooting stage but now all are saying she's overweight, too much depth of field, not enough contrast, flyaway hair, she's too short. Creases in the garment etc etc. Just sit down with the picture and work over everything with a fine tooth comb.

Stretching and liquefying are among many tools used in this way but at the end, no one admits to it much, they just credit the editor or photographer.

While consumer mags generally elevate the photographers, fashion photography is teamwork and if you dont have a full team things will be difficult. Most have or have access to Photoshop, and in one way or another it's a team player that's not to be omitted.

Just don't be too quick to praise yourself. Its a wrap folks. Is it really???

It reminds me of when I found a 1st edition copy of a Charles Dickens book in a junk shop. I knew they were worth a lot so I paid say $40.00 and began to think of what I would do with the profit I was going to make. I took it to a dealer and asked how much it was worth.

About $40.00 he said

He looked inside: Loads of foxing, and I see some pages have been snipped for the picture plates. It has loose hinges and mildew on the chamois. Maybe $20.00

But it's old and 1st edition I said

He went to a shelf and brought a similar book. Even though it was the same age as mine it looked as though it was brand new. If you want to maximise your investment he said this is what you've got to aim for.

That's why photographers should keep looking at the high end. To have something to aim for and not to pass off poor quality (like my book) as something it's not.

(I looked at the date and that was all, I was so in love with my find I never looked inside for page damage, or checked the condition when some dealers check every page before puchasing).

When the photography is over, look long and hard at what you've got. The high end reminds us of whats required. The world is not reality, it's just paper.

Really!! http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/03/03/1046540121180.html