Fort Smith (June 30/03) - With the advent of digital photography, the moments in time captured by a camera can be changed.

"With digital photography, you get the picture you like," says Fort Smith photographer Gene Seymour. "It's a record of that moment in time the way you want to see it."

That also goes for old photos that can be improved through digital technology, he says. "People are always coming to me with old, brown, scratched-up photos."

Once a digital photograph is downloaded to a computer - or an image is scanned - there are numerous ways to manipulate the image. For example, imperfections can be eliminated, people removed or added, photos cropped to size, and out-of-focus images can be sharpened.

Seymour says there is an old saying that pictures don't lie. "They do now."

The photographer uses the example of a photo he took of a graduating class of children, notorious for closing eyes, making faces and looking off in various directions.

"When that picture goes to the printer, every kid is looking at the camera and smiling just right," he says.

Manipulating images on a computer requires a level of expertise, along with basic tools - a digital camera, a scanner and, of course, a computer.

Specialized software is also required. Seymour says that can range from "paint-by-numbers" to more advanced software.

Seymour uses Adobe Photoshop, which he describes as geared towards professionals. It can be enhanced by a number of plug-ins created by other companies.

"I have plug-ins that make it look like you took a picture with a better camera," Seymour says.

Photoshop Elements is a software program that is easier to use.

"Each of the companies that put out a digital camera include a CD with software to help you manipulate pictures," Seymour notes.

However, the photographer says some people don't want pictures changed. "Digital gives you choice."

As the technology becomes more popular, the prices have decreased for all the equipment needed for digital photography - from the camera to the computer.

Seymour says the best way to store digital photos is on CDs, meaning a CD burner is also something a digital photography enthusiast should consider buying.

Leaving photographs on the computer would take up space, he says. "They're going to pile up."