Post processing comes with a number of myths deeply ingrained in the minds of many photo-enthusiasts. To debunk them, you need to keep in mind the following:

1. Processing is an integral aspect of photography. Even in the days of film photography, a lot of time and attention was put in to skillfully post process pictures in dark rooms with chemicals. From Ansel Adam to Jerry Uelsman– masters of a bygone era have dodged and burned, sliced and diced to create composites.
2. Please stop considering what your camera captures as – Photography. It’s not. Camera is a device that records data. You should still do as much possible in-camera; However, even the best cameras are nowhere close to offering the dynamic range that a human eye has. This fundamental fact should be enough for you to realize that there are many situations where camera will get fooled by the light.
   

   One question an amateur photographer often asks is—“Why can’t I just point my camera at what I am seeing, shoot that and get the same result?” Understanding exactly why you can’t, is the key to become a better photographer.

3. Our eyes can look at a scene and dynamically adjust our vision based on the subject. The amount of pupil dilation makes sure we get the right amount of light that helps us to see things as they really are. Eyes can compensate as we focus on regions of varying brightness and can look around to get the broader or narrow angle of view or even focus on objects at a variety of distance. Cameras don’t have that ability. Best of the cameras have a Dynamic Range of up to 15, whereas human eyes have a range of up to 25. This should tell you that photography is not what camera records. Image correction, contrast adjustment, color management, white balance, etc. form a part of post-processing.
4. What most amateurs don’t know is that when you shoot an image in “AUTO” mode or select any “SCENE” setting, even camera post-processes that image “in-camera” by deciding to use smart settings. What professional photographers do is—instead of letting camera decide what it should process and how, they shoot in RAW (flat file) format and retain all the relevant details to manually adjust the image later.




5. Processing allows you to create a visual experience which lets you relive your memories. Landscape photography requires the most technical and advanced level of post processing skills. It aims to amaze one in every attempt. It should transport viewers to the place you shot the image at and help them experience the destination without even moving a muscle. It’s the manifestation of what you saw and what a dream is like. A cross over.