Photo Manipulation on Hiatus in the Media?

OK - so we all know very well that pretty much every image in the media that we see has been magically touched by Photoshop. Photoshop can be a great tool - but it can also be an evil weapon. I would argue that most images that are used in the media have been photoshopped just a bit too much. Here are a few examples:

Back in October, the National Post had an article in their paper titled "Picture-Perfect Manipulation" by Nathalie Atkinson. In this article the writer discusses some major ethical concerns when it comes to using photoshop and the media. One of the main culprits that she talks about is Ralph Lauren. The campaign: Ralph Lauren Blue Label starring model Filippa Hamilton. In this image it is clearly a case of photoshopping gone bad. Here is a before and after picture of the model;



And yet another example here - of Jessica Simpson being shaved down to the point where her hair is wider than her waist!



These are just two examples - there are uncountable amounts of magazines and advertising companies that do the very same thing - shave off a little bit here, push up a little bit there - and in the end sometimes crossing the line. What kind of message is being pushed onto us if this is the kind of examples we are starting to see each day.

Using Photoshop in this manner is such an easy thing to do. Here is a little example of how one of the photo editors did the same thing to one of their colleagues at the National Post:




Now for the good news! It seems that many are simply saying enough is enough! People are tired of seeing images of unrealistic people. This then sparked an idea for photographer Peter Lindbergh. In September 2009 he did a photoshoot with 9 supermodels - all of whom bared their true faces - with no make-up - to prove that real beauty is within! These images were printed in Bazzar Magazine as their main fashion spread for the month.







And since then, more and more celebrities are starting to follow this trend! These images were taken and published in People magazine for their "50 Most Beautiful People" spread.




And finally - some magazines and fashion shows are taking that extra step and are using "normal" people on the runway and in fashion spreads: here is one example from V Magazine.



After reading this post - and all the links that are connected - tell us what you think! How do you feel about the photoshopped images gone bad? Can you think of any other examples where you have seen this and thought to yourself - "wow that looks strange!". Share one of those examples with us in your blog. Does it bother you that companies are constantly crossing the line with their manipulations - or do you see it as just the way it is? How about this new trend where models and celebrities are baring their make-up free faces and saying "no" to photoshop? Is it a trend that will stick? What about the idea of magazines and runways using "normal" people, like the young, the old and the size 16 ladies? What is your reaction when you look at a magazine spread that isn't all glammed up like we are used to seeing? Share any of your thoughts and ideas on any of these issues.

Website Credits:
http://www.trendhunter.com/
http://photoshopdisasters.blogspot.com/