How much photo manipulation is too much?

The above image was toned, slightly burned and converted to black and white. More than I would ever do when on an assignment but does it make the image any less legitimate?

I purposely underexposed the image with the intent to bring back the highlights. Stopping down also helped push out any information in the background and making everything besides Wieters go to black. I then burned shadows around his left shoulder and after a quick b&w conversion I finished off the photograph. Total processing time was maybe 30 seconds.

Many of the great photographers of the past used dodging and burning in the dark room to process their images. World renowned photojournalist Huynh Cong "Nick" Ut would even send back direct instructions for how he wanted his images dodged and burned across wire services.

This image was more or less a fun little side project but I am very happy with how it turned out.

So often photographers focus right in on the subject following the rule "tight is right."

But someone has to break the rules.

Until next time, take care!