BC some people will have noticed from my messages that unfortunately I have a screen that's blooming awful. When some people have said my images have been nice and sharp I've wondered why because they've been awful on here.

Then someone mentioned about screen showing pictures differently. Many a time I've looked on photo's on here and wondered why everyone's raved about them, on the rare occassion that my computer at work has allowed me to view the photo's I've then realised why!!

When I can afford it I think a new computer with a wonderful screen will be my next option

To me should is a very strong term and 'light PP' is also rather subjective (personally I don't feel that what you have described sounds like 'light' PP ).

Whilst I feel that, yes, the second shot is more pleasing to the eye, who is to say that you couldn't have achieved a similar shot if you had changed your set up and possibly a few of the parameters? (obviously with the exception of changing his facial expression like you have done although it can be argued that that isn't reflective of the child at that point in time). Obviously I am talking hypothetically but there are things you could do to improve the shot without resorting to PP.

Don't get me wrong, PP has it's place, however I don't like to see an over reliance on it. You see far too many photographers take a shot knowing they can improve it with PP rather than focusing on the fundamentals and trying to improve their photography.

As you say, it is nice to develop your own style because without a doubt people will like your style and be drawn to it. I am currently sitting here laughing at some images of myself and my OH form a photo shoot that was done recently

Let's not forget that even a 'technically perfect image' is not always great.

What good is the image if the person has yellow teeth for example? Or had an outburst of spots the day of the photoshoot? (And has paid for a portrait to look their best?)

For me they go hand in hand, and I consider them both tools.

I agree Azz, if someone pays for a portrait, it's because they want to look at their best, who wants to pay for a picture in a frame with a pimple on their chin

Oliver Cromwell actually! To quote..... "Warts and all" (directed to the painter Sir Peter Lely), which subsequently (sp?) was on his chin!

I have always been in favour of processing I think you know instinctively if a shot needs a tweak or not .....whether the shot is *perfect* to others or not.

To me photography is art and an artist is rarely satisfied with the results

Love the edits you made KK , superb