The French government wants to bring in a law where influences need to state that they have used a filter on their posts.
Anastacia, an American singer-songwriter, I shot this cover for Fabulous Magazine in the UK in 2009 at the height of retouching. I no longer allow my pictures to be retouched so much.
This isn't the first time this type of disclaimer has been used; it wasn't long ago that publishers were asked to state if images in their magazines have been retouched. I no longer buy magazines, so I don't know if this is still the case, but although at first I whole heartily agree with the proposed law, I don't think this is the answer. Instagram could do what Tiktok does: in each video posted, you can see if someone has used a filter; I'm no web developer, but I'm sure they could do that somehow.
Dominic Perrottet's family, where minimal retouching was done, I have just removed plugs and scuff marks off the walls.
Or you could be like my brilliant friend who has educated her six-year-old daughter to spot the difference. She has educated her to spot the difference between natural and retouched skin. Now this six-year-old is a bright girl so is her mother, so I'm not surprised that she has managed to educate her on this topic. This topic is much like consent and something we need to educate our children on early in life, especially our girls.
1: Photoshop and Filters
They are here to stay because they are powerful photo editing tools. With the rise of social media and the need for picture-perfect content, people have become increasingly dependent on these tools to enhance their photos. From removing blemishes to adjusting skin tones, Photoshop and filters have evolved into a go-to for anyone who wants to improve their images and videos.
2: What's the impact?
Filters may seem harmless but can significantly impact self-image and body image. Many people use these tools to achieve an unrealistic standard of beauty, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This is especially true for young people, bombarded with images of "perfect" bodies and faces on social media. As a result, Photoshop and filters can create an unattainable standard. Why else are plastic surgeons so busy?
3: Conversely, authenticity has grown.
There has been a growing movement towards authenticity and self-acceptance. More and more people are pushing back against the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media and embracing their natural selves, a trend I'm passionate about. This movement has led to a backlash against Photoshop and filters, with many people calling for more authentic representations of beauty in the media. This includes using models of all sizes, ages, and ethnicities and unedited photos in advertisements and social media.
Photoshop and filters can significantly impact self-image and body image, especially for young people. While these tools can be helpful for minor touch-ups (which I do regularly), they should not be relied upon to create an unrealistic standard of beauty. Instead, we should embrace authenticity and self-acceptance, celebrating our natural selves and rejecting the idea that we must look a sure way to be beautiful. Doing so can create a more inclusive and accepting society that celebrates diversity in all its forms.
I have chosen not to use filters on my videos and reels. You don’t need to if you light yourself properly. At the beginning of the year, I started a series of shooting portraits (of myself) and haven't used Photoshop or filters on these images. You only get to see if you subscribe. It is hard to see my unretouched self reflected in me. Still, I'm using the techniques I have honed as a professional portrait photographer to light myself properly to ensure I look a certain way. Most influences don't have the skill I do, so I see why there is a high demand for a filter and retouching.
What do you think? Please email me here. Or message me on Instagram or Tiktok.
Lots of love, Katie
