Send to a Friend

RealEyesRealizeRealLies's avatar

How do you feel about photo retouching software that changes the shape of a persons face for the sake of enhancement?

Asked by RealEyesRealizeRealLies (30954points) January 10th, 2012

Removing pimples and smoothing skin tones are one thing. Of course, everyone wants to look healthy and confident for a portrait. But this photo retouching software goes way beyond standard photo shop enhancements. It actually changes the shape of a face (bigger eyes, plumper lips, lifted cheek bones). Is this still retouching, or is it manipulation?

See before and after samples HERE. Click on any photo and then scroll mouse over large view to see before and after.

At what point is the finished product a poor representation of the actual person being photographed?

Do you feel this level of photo enhancement is appropriate or not?

Although it changes face shape, is that really any different than what a painter might do?
_______

Photo retouching used to be the sole domain of highly skilled lab artists who used brushes and dyes to paint on top of a printed photo. Upon the release of Photo Shop, photographers learned the art as well. But this photo retouch software puts the power into the hands of anyone, with no Photo Shop skills required. To me, it’s taking the retouch much further than I would ever consider doing.

In some of these before and after samples, it looks to take a mid 30’s woman and turn her into a pre-teenager. Specifically, look at the girl second from bottom on left column of thumbnails. Has this gone too far?

Using Fluther

or

Using Email

Separate multiple emails with commas.
We’ll only use these emails for this message.