I lean toward the thought that most photography is art. The artist is free to create their vision for a photograph and as long as you disclose the manipulation I am OK with it. I also try to get the best original image possible in my back yard set ups. So I choose an uncluttered perch and place it so the background is out of focus. I am manipulating the situation before the image is taken. I do that because I enjoy the results where the detail and beauty of the subject is projected against a smooth background.