I try to keep my images as "In camera" as possible. As in, what you see is what I captured. Planning the day, scoping out the area for that one shot. Waiting for the correct weather conditions, to set up and grab that magical image.

Anything done in Photoshop, with multiple layers, brush effects, looking like a painting or using textures, adding God Rays. Anything that was not in the original capture. Those images look awesome, BUT it's not a photograph or photography at the end of the day. I would class this as "Graphic Design" or "Digital Art" as it was created using software and not captured on the sensor of the camera in one 'click'. The end result is not a photograph but more of a work of art. If you need multiple layers and use Photoshop to create these kinds of images, sorry, but to me that is not photography.

I love photography, I edit my images in Lightroom. It's a hobby of mine, and a great one at that. I enjoy all types of photography, and I am always learning, striving to improve my skills. Capturing those magical moments in time, to always look back and enjoy that day over and over again.

I say this........Any camera is better than no camera. Use whatever you can afford and capture those stunning shots. Don't let anyone put you down or tell you otherwise. Can't edit or afford editing programs. Then shoot jpeg and be happy.