I don't know why you say this isn't photography? I have to go out like everyone else, with my camera and capture an image. In addition, I am very particular about every image I present. Just as much goes into finding the right moment and prep (correct exposure etc) as the embellishment of the image in my "digital darkroom". In actuality, this is no different than Ansel Adams or any other photographer, who processed their medium/large format images in a traditioanl darkroom, it's just more popular and accessible now.

Regards,
Jason