Finally...
For my final image, I combined the two approaches and made some adjustments to the face and the eyes. Finally, I adjusted the tonal range slightly. I used the Blur tool to work on the background. I used the clone stamp tool to take out some blemishes and specks of dust from the face and the clothes. I then used the clone stamp and blur tools to lessen the look of the laughter lines around the eyes. The final image is below.
Are these adjustments legitimate and realistic?
I think that lightening the face for visibility is a valid and necessary adjustment and I don’t think it means tampering with reality.
Adjusting the tone range of the image, including taking out or reducing any colour cast, is acceptable.
Removing any dust specks (particularly those that are sitting on the lens rather than the subject / object photographed) could be necessary and it does not usually undermine the truthfulness of the image.
When it comes to removing any blemishes, skin defects and wrinkles, adjusting eyes colour or similar drastic changes, the integrity of the image can be compromised. I believe that these adjustments need to be used with caution and only when appropriate. Before these enhancements are considered, follow this simple good practice check and ask yourself:
1) What is the rationale behind making these adjustments and why are they needed?
2) Is the reason strong enough to justify compromising the truth?
3) What is the smallest level of enhancement that the image requires?
