When does a Single frame from a DSLR cease to be a Picture and become an Image?

We talk about Pictures in these forums alot, but are they pictures or blends of untold layers that have been dodged/burnt - over saturated - contrast adjusted, colours removed and or highlighted in set areas to make an image.

Maybe we could suggest to Rick to change the name of this site to Aus Post Production. What do you think?

I understand that before the age of the Digital Sensor, that Photograhers used different techniques to alter their negitives to give a desired result, but has it now gone to far?

I @ M, raised a fair challenge regarding the model industry in an attemp to have the perfect face/look (All be it in a Post pushing at marketing ploys)

We see this in several of our beloved Land/Sea Scape regulars, layered to the hilt to have their stamp/touch on a picture or is it now an image. Is it because they didn't have the right conditions and we have teh ability to alter the Picture so much.

Would love to hear your thoughts, expecially from the Macro and Bird world, can they do this to make the bird look better with a pinkish sky, or the FG adjusted or their feathers blob or skimmed to loose/gain some weight???

Have we lost the art of Photography?

Or do you believe it's necessary to push the levels of Post Production to get your perfect shot?

And so, good luck picking POTY or maybe Layered - Pushed/Pulled - Dodged/Burned - Over/Under Saturated - Liquified/Smudged/Skimmed Image of the Year...