Nice work, Rob. I don't think the basic editing you did constitutes manipulation. You didn't add torpedo tubes, or a deck gun. Altering or correcting exposure is as old as the first photograph, ever.
I think Doug made a good point, Rob. Congratulations on an excellent narrative. When you simply say "Paint.net manipulation", I'm never sure what you've done. It helps me to understand your images with the short explanation that you provided. This is a shot of remarkable contrasts. The boat looks like it's in good shape. The far background looks very modern. The sky looks like there a storm brewin'. Yet there's still a filth and grittiness to the dismal surroundings of the harbor. Too bad you cleaned it up. There aren't enough shots on Caedes of everyday people doing their jobs. I would love to see some pallets, forklift trucks and shipping containers full of those wooden shoes you guys always wear. :-)
A great cleanup job and lovely presentation. Very nice editing on the photo. I like the darkness in the background. Lovely colours and clarity in the photo.
Good color contrasts.
TicK
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