ManhartPhotography

For at least a decade most of the images we see on magazine covers, and in most advertising, have been manipulated. This probably doesn’t come as news to most of you, but I imagine we’d all be a bit shocked at how much and how often Photoshop is used.

For years we’ve seen studies and heard ample anecdotal evidence about how all these images distort our image of reality. 

Now there is one politician who wants to do something about it. Valarie Boyer, a member of the French parliament, has drafted a law that would require that all digitally altered photographs of people used in advertising be labeled as retouched. 

Click here for more information in the New York Times.

“Some think such a law would destroy photographic art; some think it might help reduce anorexia; some say the idea is aimed at the wrong target, given that nearly every advertising photograph is retouched. Others believe such a label might sensitize people to the fakery involved in most of the advertising images with which they’re bludgeoned.”

There are unanswerable ethical questions at stake here and manipulated images might be fairly low on our list of worries. (For example, it would be great to know if your financial advisor had your best interests at heart.)

However, it is undeniable the when we make decisions based on reality, we are better off. There is no reason adequate enough to cause potential body and image issues to our children. 

Those of us in the business of using photoshop have nothing to hide. We make changes at the clients request.  In fact, I want my own portrait manipulated. If I can look better, great! 

There are limits to this of course. Changes that aren’t subtle are easily recognizable to the people that know us.

Do you agree/disagree? Let us know in the comments.

Email the author at travis@manhartphotography.com or visit www.ManhartPhotography.com.

If you liked this article you can read more at Sacramento Photography Examiner.