So above is the original image which I produced the two prints from.
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Its virtually impossible to see the differences of software correction at this size and even on the two prints it was hard to spot. The only difference immediately obvious is a slight composition change caused by the corrected verticals.
It’s in the corners that you can see the most difference. The noise and software correction has lowered the resolution making them look a touch softer.
I made two A4 prints and I invited a few people to choose which they preferred.
The score was four to one with one undecided. The majority all preferred the uncorrected print. For myself I also preferred the uncorrected print. This test is a little unfair as in reality I would usually post process an image in between these two extremes but it has given me much to think about.
I also recommend that you occasionally print some of your work. We get too fixated on our images on the screen, wanting noise free perfection and viewing the images at 100%, 200% or even 400%.
It’s often only when you get a print in your hand you realize how good your photograph really is.
