Critical study- Why do we manipulate images?

Why do we manipulate images?

There is a general consensus that editing is wrong, the term ‘photoshoped’ has developed into a term to discredit images stating that they are fake. but this is a somewhat naive view jumped too when are taken out of context. The reason for editing is unique to each image or create, a photojournalist may have seen a greater range of tones than the camera can catch, a Wedding photographer may want to use an artistic licence to add colour to connotation love or an advertiser wanting to create a more attractive form to increase appeal. While we may not agree with the ethics or motivation should we be blaming the techniques used to create them.

Retouching and image manipulation have been around since the start of photography, As a means to push the limits of the technology even in the 19th century this was a controversial practice as it was not truthful.

Areas of interest

Henry peach Robinson combination printing - Fading away

Combination printing was seen as a means of expressing a theme, by combining different negatives to create a single image with a greater dynamic range than the photographic process allowed. In the 19th century photography was still finding its feet, with the camera being linked to truth the traditional painters freedom was somewhat removed.

Ansel Adams and the zone system

Adams zone system defines the whole process form composition, exposure and printing. Adams believed that understanding this link was key to a successful print. A direct response to the Pictorial movement popular at the time.

Advertising

The practice of altering a model's shape and size has been controversial for sometime now, By misrepresenting the human form the industry creates desire, an notion that you can be like this if you buy our product. while we know its happening and campaigns get criticised for its uses it still happens.

Film

A digital image straight from the sensor is very ‘clean’ compared with film where the different emulsions carried characteristics altering colour tone and contrast. Photographers used this to  create a style and add elements to their work. applying the same characteristics digitally creates ethical issues. 

Post production vs preproduction

effects can be created pre or post production, by over exposing you can create a glow that smooths skin, or using longer lenses can make a person look thinner as the distortion is less. these create the same effects as doing them in post the only difference is they are some what controlled. 

In the public hands   

Digital photography has had a short but rapid growth, not allowing it to develop natural theory behind its use and effect. filters are now allowing anyone to alter there images but without  understanding of visual representation dose this cheapen the idea of manipulation as a tool to improve and express.

Conclusion 

Thought this study I look to develop a understanding for the motive of manipulation, and where the negativity towards the process stems from. as well as deciding how and why we can combat this tread.