[hhlevnjak2]

Most photographers alter colors, lighting, remove signs, wires, lampposts or even people from their images. A lot of them crop, or alter perspective in post. As mentioned here, most documentaries are montages of completely separate footage to tell a story they want to tell. Is any of that cheating as well?

Some photography books aimed at beginners even suggest editing in more dynamic skies into photos.

It's a matter of style if not anything else. Some photographers will accept only what comes out of camera, others will take more liberties with their work. It's not like any fake claims are made here.