Thanks kindly for the continued PR Curt
And to all for the kind words.
I'd like to add specifically too that yes... the images in the mag are all mine/ours unless otherwise noted... AND, we are militant about not corrupting images with manipulations. In fact, it is rare that we touch the images at all... it was a stated goal in producing the magazine. That said, we do use and recommend any (professional) manipulations that can render an image more like the actual state of color/rendition. That is to say... if an image fails to capture the natural visage of that moment in time, a correction may be acceptable then. A common example would be correcting white balance if the photographer failed to set it (custom) before taking the shot.
But the yardstick for adjustments is "more like natural" or "leave it alone"
Unnatural adjustments that folks commonly do to show off or (ewww) sell their corals such as goosing contrast or saturation are, IMO, shameful. Unless they are calling such images art (and they are not)... I dont see the use or honesty in making such manipulations.
All that said... I do not consider myself a professional designer. I can grow corals... I can photograph well... but I do not have the skills to improve photographs. Frankly, I dont have the desire either. That is (and should be in most all cases with hobbyists) a job left for the pros.
I have never manipulated an single image used in my magazine. I submit all raw and original to the designer(s). If its not good enough untouched for print, I generally wont submit it at all (unless dearly needed... rare images/subjects that cannot be reshot)
