18. How often should we be using Filters and Photoshop?
How do you want to be remembered?
Have you ever seen someone online who you met, later on, to find out they look nothing like their online version?
Photoshop is a powerful tool. You can completely change how someone looks.
Nowadays it is not a secret that models in magazines are being airbrushed and modified to the point of eliminating all perceived imperfections.
The beauty and fashion industry has created unrealistic expectations of beauty and perfection that are not attainable under normal circumstances, they make us aspire to something which is frankly, not possible.
But what used to be only for fashion models, in magazines, is now available to everyone.
Yes, filters.
I am not talking about the filters used to enhance the colors, reduce noise on the images, lighten them up a bit if they are too dark. I am talking about the filters that modify our appearance.
I am by no means a purist, some are quite mild and might have a place on days in which, we look tired or just didn’t have time to “fix ourselves up a bit”.
I am more concerned about the indiscriminate use of filters that modify our features, making our skin look completely smooth, our face/body thinner, our eyes bigger, our lips fuller… you get the point, right?
The question here is why?
Why do we do this?
Is our perception of beauty so that we feel we need to do this to like ourselves more like this? Is it a lack of acceptance of how we look?
And I ask myself, will I show myself how I am, with wrinkles and all, and learn to accept my imperfections as part of who I am?
I don’t have an answer for everyone, each one of us has to make their own decision.
However, I strive to capture people naturally and as authentic as possible.
As a portrait photographer my philosophy when it comes to editing is that I will edit in photoshop only slightly to correct color, improve lighting, and create my style. I will only significantly modify someone’s appearance only if asked by my client. I like to respect my client’s image and not modify who they are, I never want to assume that there is something “wrong” with how they look.
Maybe because I focus on emotions, smiles, connection and in capturing the true self, I don’t see those little “imperfections” as something negative, rather as part of who we are, part of our uniqueness.
Are we sending the right message to the younger generation? Are we telling them that is not ok to age? That we have to fit a certain “norm” of beauty to be ok? I often wonder.
A question I often ask myself. I see it as my responsibility to have an opinion. My small contribution is to use photoshop and this kind of filters sparingly.
Years from now when someone might look back at my legacy, how will I be remembered? I hope not with dog ears ;0)
Hi! I’m Blanca!
I’m a Brand Photographer and Personal Branding Coach, helping female entrepreneurs to create a Personal Brand online that STANDS OUT.
I bring your vision to life, help you come up with one and take you by the hand into the online World if you need me to.