I used to be against major post processing in photography. It almost felt like the image was being tainted somehow. But I have changed my tune. I have reframed my view and now see post processing as part of the artist process. Personally, I like my photos with more contrast, more deep black shadows, and just a smidge of vignetting in the corners (the corners are just slightly blacker, drawing the eye to middle of the photograph). My photos are a piece art and thus I do not have to be tied to reality. Just as a painter can change the position of a item or change colors, I can do the same with my photos.
Today, I finally tried healing one of my photos. I have a beautiful photo from Barcelona of a child running through Gaudi’s wave archway, chasing a pigeon. The initial photo is below:
Notice the arm and leg to the left of the child. I decided I wanted to see if the healing tool could help me out and make a better, cleaner image. So I did my research, and watched a video (See video here) and tried it out myself. And voila! See below for my results. I’m very pleased. If I didn’t know there had been a leg and a hand in my photo, I would assume was just as you see it now. 
While the leg had not bothered me in the past, I like the photo much more without it. I hope you do too and I’d encourage you to try this new tool. I’ve gotta say, I am a fan!
HJ
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Heather J Chamberlain 