At
a time when many viewers are howling why image manipulation is getting
more unrealistic the editors themselves can have a code of conduct. It
is better to be tempted to have perfect pictures rather than to be
greedy to make then unreal.
When
an editor knows he can do a lot of manipulation he cannot just take
advantage of the features. Being less greedy will prove to be valuable
here and retain the clients. This is one important lesson that
advertisers should learn for themselves. Succumbing to creativity needs
to be balanced. Making a few adjustments is passé today. Editors have
the ability to do more than just tweaking. So a fat body torso is made
into a well-toned abs to envy. An uneven skin is made freckle free and
young. For an image of a younger person it is fine, but when older
people are also subjected to manipulation it can have wrong results. Yes image manipulation is risky and needs to be applied intelligently. Now there are guidelines for manipulation also. So pay attention to this:
Touch
up pictures only as much as they do not require major alterations.
Cosmetic surgery should be avoided at all costs. The quality of image
will depend largely on the reason it is being used for. For example if
one is showing a well toned body to add to a medical or wellness product
it can be appropriate only if it matches the claim. If it does not then
the image manipulation
is not good. When one is showing before and after pictures of a
surgery, medical program then also one need to be careful while showing
the image. Manipulation out of tune can be risky. Hence it is okay to
succumb to the temptation to airbrush, but to make layers and change the
contours is not recommended.
There
are many new ways one can do image manipulation today. Photoshop has
introduced many new features to make the process of editing easier. The
trends are changing to make the process more acceptable. These trends
are not like that of fashion that come and disappear. For example one of
the reasons why images are manipulated is that the pictures have become
old. They need to be revived. But in the process of revival never do
things that can spoil the value. Like if it is black and white photo
there is no need to make it in any other monochromatic color.
It will look silly. There is also no need to change the hairstyle by
masking even though it is possible. Why because the picture was taken 50
years ago and it represents a particular era. Why tamper with that
element? It would be a foolish attempt to use the right technology in
the wrong way. Let the photos look old and dated. It retains the charm
and also gives it value. It is up to the editor to know where he can
draw the line. He should try to understand the emotion, frame and
importance of the event. When he understands the essence then the
manipulation is valuable.
A further tip:
A
great photo can look greater but cannot be stretched. Effects can be
added to make it better but the main subject cannot be modified to suit
the palette. Let not the knowledge over power but empower the visual.
