What do you call Photographers That Fall on the far end of the Spectrum ?

[JFG]

In the world of photographers there are two extreme tribes.  The ones who live at the far ends of the post-processing spectrum.  They have unofficial names, unofficially hilariously, and sometimes lovingly whispered in camera clubs.  For those that are unaware, here are the archetypes:  

🛠️The Purist  Lives on the "minor touch-ups only" end.  Also known as: 

• SOOC (Straight Out Of The Camera) Zealot 
• The Naturalist
• JPEG Monk
• The Sensor Worshipper
• The "I don't need Lightroom, I have integrity" guy  

Traits:

• Believes cropping is a moral failure.
• Thinks sliders are a slippery slope to artistic corruption.
• Says things like "I prefer to get it right in camera" while standing in impossible lighting.

🎨The Alchemist Lives on the "full creative transformation" end.

Also known as:

• Pixel Wizard
• Photoshop Sorcerer
• The Color-Grade Prophet
• The Composite Conjurer
• The 'Is this still a photo?' Artist

Traits:

• Has 47 layers named "final_final_REAL_final".
• Believes reality is merely a suggestion.
• Can turn a cloudy day into a cosmic nebula with three adjustment layers and a prayer.

⚡The Fun Part

Most photographers, including myself, dance somewhere in between these two.  But extremes?  They're iconic.

I like to think that I sit dead-center between Purist and Pixel Wizard but with my own twist.  If you ask me I'll tell you why. 🥸

Where do you think you dance in the spectrum?  Let us know. 😎

[Tintype_18]

All of the above.

[JFG]

Hi John, 

I can see why you chose all of the above,  that's because you're both an Alchemist and a Pufrist.  For you, it all depends on your project and what you visualize it to be.  On some projects your photos are only to document.  In others you express your visual experience.  You also like to experiment and push the envelope.  You’re the "Spectrum" shape shifter.  A photographer who:
- Shoots like a purist on Monday
- Edits like a wizard on Tuesday
- Preaches SOOC on Wednesday
- Adds 14 layers of glow on Thursday
- And on Friday says, “Labels are limiting, bro.” 😉

Shapeshifter

1. The Chameleon Artist
Changes style depending on mood, weather, or caffeine level.
One day: National Geographic.
Next day: Cyberpunk neon fever dream.

2. The Post‑Processing Gemini
Two personalities:
- “I don’t edit much.”
- “Here’s my 37‑layer Photoshop file.”

Both are true. Somehow.

3. The Omni‑Photographer
Believes every style is valid because he is every style.
A walking contradiction, but in a charming way.

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🎒 Behavioral Traits
- Uses the phrase “It depends” more than any other human.
- Has presets ranging from “Natural Clean” to “Apocalypse Teal.”
- Can argue both sides of any editing debate convincingly.
- Claims to be a purist but owns a graphics tablet the size of a dinner table.

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🧠 What this really means
You're not confused — you're versatile.
You don’t fit in a box — You own the whole warehouse.

Some photographers pick a lane.
You build a highway.