Pictures that Lie

Photograph manipulation has not only transformed images themselves, but also the views and actions of modern society. Usually, what we see on magazine covers, billboards, and various other publication types, is only refurbished reality, in other words, a non-existent ideal. Specifically, fashion magazines tend to utilize photo alteration, making models look thinner or perfecting other forms of their outlook. Readers of these fashion magazines, especially young women, are constantly exposed to these images, ultimately considering themselves far from the ideal look. For this reason, numerous young women experience eating disorders that stem from their desire to portray this idealistic version of beauty. However, some may contend that this form of image manipulation is an artist’s way of expressing imaginative notions, liberated from the dullness of reality. The article I selected examines this very issue, claiming how the technology responsible for digital photo manipulation “pits the moral principle of protecting artistic freedom against the moral principle of protecting public health” (Yun, 2004). Where can we draw the line between the two?

Particularly, the article discusses a research study conducted to evaluate magazine readers’ opinions regarding photo manipulation. The results of the study suggest that “although aware of the prevalence of digital editing, readers disapprove of its use in rendering models thinner, and judge it to be unethical and unfair” (Yun, 2004). Hence, there is substantial evidence that the majority of readers disapprove of major image modifications; however, shouldn’t we also respect the artistic whim of the magazine and its photo editor? Personally, I believe that the psychological and medical consequences experienced by readers outweigh the chosen modes of expression by the photo editor. It is true that artistic expression should not be restricted; nevertheless, there should be some limits when considering public health.  

For my specific photo manipulation project, I began by selecting a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge as a background because it is one of my favorite attraction sites in San Francisco. Moreover, I not only admire its commanding structure, but also the combination of natural and industrial scenery that encapsulate it. After staring at the image for some time, I realized it would be interesting to show someone sliding down the bridge’s main cables, or even better, skate boarding down them. Thus, I found an image of a skateboarder, slightly cropped it, and then used the magic wand tool to extract the background. I meticulously placed the skateboarder on top of the cable, creating the illusion of him sliding down. I obtained both photos from Stock Exchange.

In terms of manipulation, I adjusted the hue, saturation, and brightness of each individual image. After manipulating the skateboarder image (which I already described) and placing it onto the bridge, I decided to change the overall picture to make it more interesting. I scanned through the numerous photo effects possible under the edit tab (examples include distort, noise, sketch), trying many along the way. None of them truly made the image special. Eventually, I reached the stylize category and selected the glowing edges option, applying it to the skateboarder and the background. I liked this transformation that best because it completely altered the atmosphere of the picture and the skateboarder truly stood out. After these modifications, I adjusted the hue, saturation, and lighting as the final touch. Hence, all the photo manipulations were based off my personal artistic whim, and were not used to alter the outlook of a person. For this reason, I believe the manipulations are not harmful in any way because they are the result of pure artistic expression. There are no alterations of people like those seen in several magazines and so there is no promotion of the non-existent ideal. I did not make the skateboarder extremely thin or modify his looks in any manner, but rather I just altered hue, saturation, and lighting of the entire image and added an effect.  

My Photo Manipulation: 

        

In relation to the article, my photo manipulation serves as an example of artistic expression with certain restrictions to protect public health. More specifically, this photo manipulation exemplifies the compromise I earlier proposed that photo editors should make when digitally altering images. Basically, they can still express their creativity, but they should keep the psychological consequences of their image changes in mind. Therefore, when I was manipulating this image, I expressed my creativity in terms of the placement of the skateboarder, addition of an effect, and changes in hue, saturation, and lighting of the skateboarder and background; however, I did not manipulate the skateboarder’s outlook in any way.

If only magazines truly realized the impact their photo manipulations had on people, especially photo manipulations of celebrities and models. If only they realized that “exposure to the thin ideal tends to reduce body satisfaction, increase self-consciousness, and reduce self-esteem” (Yun, 2004). If only.    

Reference:

Gi Woong Yun, et al. "If Looks Could Kill: Digital Manipulation of Fashion Models." Journal of Mass Media Ethics 19.1 (2004): 56-71. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 2 Apr. 2011.