Have you used Photoshop for your portrait pictures? We all do, but do you have any limitations to the amount of retouching you do on your photos? Altering models bodies and faces is easy enough with the software that we have today, but why publicize unreal images? It is understandable that you may want to remove small imperfections such as acne or red eyes. However, recently several models and actresses have complained that published pictures of them in magazines or news articles do not look like them. Overdoing edits and retouching photographs only cause unrealistic portrayals of an image, and we should know when to draw the line.
In the consumer world, there seems to be an abundance of “perfect-bodied” men and women This influences women, and even men, regarding their lifestyle choices, since their preferences are altered with the influence of digital media. DIY photography posted a recent article about retouched photos and stating:
“As with everything in life, in retouching it’s also important to know where to draw a line. If we remove personal traits off of someone, we can make them feel insecure and feel bad about themselves. Not to mention that, if we excessively retouch a photo of a client, they might feel unsatisfied with the results. And they have all the right to feel that way, because it’s not really them in the photos.”
Ads and promotions sell more than products; they sell beauty, value, sexuality and normalcy. We should discontinue the altered advertising; it is not necessary for companies to promote such negativity for models, celebs or anyone portraying them in a magazine or any type of advertisement.
Zendaya, Lady Gaga, Keira Knightley, Lorde and several other celebrities have all publicly protested against the use of Photoshop. Most recently, after posing for the cover page on the Modeliste magazine, Zendaya felt outraged that the company manipulated her body skin. This 19-year-old actress took a stand to express her frustration on social media. Later, when Lady Gaga was published on the front cover of Vogue magazine, many people complained that the photo portrayed a vast difference from what she really looks like. Lady Gaga addressed this issue on Instagram by questioning the editors as to why they enhanced a good image into a fake image.
Unlike the aforementioned companies, other well-known companies have gradually stopped using Photoshop and when they do use it, they make the public aware that the image is “retouched.” Modcloth, Seventeen Magazine, Aerie and Darling Magazine were the first four companies to completely cut out retouched photos.
In fact, on Aerie’s website, before you browse through their clothing, images or updates, you’ll find this quote:“Some girls wear makeup. Some girls don’t. Some girls wear push up bras & some just won’t. Lots of girls live in heels & others in flats. Long hair, blue hair or maybe none of that. No matter your choices, let’s be clear, you won’t find retouching on any girl here. Simply stated, we made a deal. Trends may come and go but We Will Always Be Aerie Real.”
Companies are slowly reducing the amount of editing done on celebrities and models’ pictures. Changing facial features, body shapes or skin color are all unrealistic representations of actual people. Why promote imaginary and unrealistic photographs of already beautiful people?
