So I'm wondering... how do you feel about "plug-ins"?

..as a photographer first, I find that just taking a great clean photos is the foundation of my work. In journalism there is no photoshop allowed, my motto has been "one-shot, one-photo!" but for some of my clients (wedding, fashion, portraiture, commercial) photoshop becomes a necessity in order to create a finished product that is as flawless as possible. Knowing photoshop well enough to produce those images is essential in keeping pace with client needs.

As many of you know, even though I teach and show you how to use photoshop I don't actually advocate lots of "over-photoshopping" but that's just my style. While there are many members here in our group that are photoshop "artist" and that work is awesome! but that to me is a completely different avenue than being a photographer... (Just my opinion) The power of photoshop allows for so much creativity and flexibility no matter what your needs are.

I see lots of "other" sites showing their work. They take an original photograph (presumably a photo they took) and use various photoshop "plug-ins" to create a finished product. Here in our group I have demonstrated the use of filter plug-ins which are actions to easily create a finished product. I think they have a time and place and can be a quick way to create a finished product.

So the question is; 1. how do you feel about plug-ins? 2. do you use them as a primary work flow process in order to complete your work? 3. which plug-ins are your "go-to" filters or favorites? 4. Do you think using "plug-ins" is like cheating?

I use very few plug-ins. I prefer the control I have over doing a process myself. I do use photoframes and a noise reduction plug in. I tried plug-ins that reduced shine and made teeth whiter, but prefer my technique over the plug in...more control. I don't think using plug-ins is cheating. For many it saves precious time and helps in situations where the person may not yet have their photoshop skills to a level that is better than a plug-in.

We do a lot of weddings and senior photographs. There is a certain expectation from clients for a photo that requires retouching. The expectations are like fads, they come and go. It may be easier for some photographers to stay on top the current fad by using plug-ins and I do not see a problem with this. However, I will be the first to say that my photos may be better because the retouching is all done in photoshop without the use of plug-ins.

Well put