photoshop questions

What were the main points of the article?

This article focused on the controversy arising over the use of Photoshop to alter images in magazines. There is particular controversy over using such tactics to make celebrities look skinnier or “prettier.” This is due to the fact that many believe that this editing is causing magazines to promote “an unattainable standard of beauty.” The article also discusses the history of Photoshop and the Photoshop movement in fashion. Image editing software became available in the early 1990s. At first, it was used to alter images of models but only to produce a purposefully unrealistic image. However, now Photoshop has come to be the norm. More images are photoshopped than those that are not. Many readers are not aware of this fact, causing unrealistic standards of appearance to have formed. The article made a disturbing point by staying that “a provocative image in a fashion magazine today is one that shows something real.” Photoshopped photos have become the norm in our society to the point that real photos are unexpected and mind-blowing.

Do you agree with the general push or overall idea(s) of the article?

I agree with the general push/overall ideas of the article. I believe that the media has a huge role in influencing how people live their daily lives and that the photoshopping frenzy has definitely been an example of this effect. The amount of photoshopping that occurs today is absolutely ridiculous. Not only are images of women edited down to almost humanly impossible sizes, these images are presented as being untouched, creating an unrealistic standard for women world wide.

When should Photoshop be/not be used to alter a photograph?

Photoshop can be used to alter a photograph for purely aesthetic, minor retouches, such as red eye or blemish removal, when a photo is being used for personal or public use. When a photo is being use purely for personal use/artistic design, more photoshopping can be used, such as color alteration or photoshopping out undesirables. However, Photoshop should never be used in the public arena to the point where it harmfully misrepresents a person or figure, such as making a model appear skinnier.