627. Avoid Over-Retouching Which Produces False Effects

Avoid Over-Retouching Which Produces False Effects. It is a very easy matter to overdo dodging or retouching landscape negatives, and so produce a false effect. Much of the work shown at exhibitions is overdone, giving a pleasing effect at first sight, but easily degenerating into a staginess and unnaturalness which deceives no one. A careful study of all nature effects should precede any attempt at extensive retouching or modeling of a landscape picture.

628. With practice, close attention to values in nature, and a thorough understanding of what it is you desire to reproduce in your pictures, you will soon be able to take almost any negative, however flat or harsh it may be, however lacking in tone values or over-filled with detail, and make of it a most presentable picture; but, as we stated a few lines previously, you should never attempt to produce an effect contrary to nature. A striving for a sensational or bizarre effect will only bring ridicule from those who understand the real harmonies of nature.

629. All of your first work should be proofed before attempting to modify the negative, also after having completed your work. If any special alterations or methods of procedure were employed, you should make full mention of them on the back of the proofs, and when these are filed in your proof-file they will prove of value for reference.