Thanks Rhiannon. I love looking at pics too, lots, and the last thing I ever want to do is pick people apart for the way they take them, less still make fake accusations. In fact, if you get accused of manipulating yr work because it's so striking, then the fact that you *haven't* manipulated it is actually a compliment. Huazzah!

My personal favourite methods are early albumen and platinum prints. Now they look so unreal they may as well have been painted.

http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/brady/gallery/images/39.gif

If anything, troll-bile makes me want to throw away all the days I put into rendering a 'true' capture, and instead work in oils. Or vodka and tomato.

PS saw a (free) exhibition of Steve Bloom's wildlife and travel work yesterday, outdoors in Centenary Square, Brum. Would encourage anyone to catch it if passing, or make the journey anyway, it was awe-inspiring.

Onwards and upwards!