I was looking through the NYTimes (online version) seeing if there was any interesting art/photography news to post about, when I noticed an article about music videos. So, I took it as a sign that I should post about something I’ve been struggling with in my work.
It isn’t that I have been producing demeaning images of women (which is what the times article is about), but I have been thinking about at what point my images could influence a young woman’s ideal of beauty. I’m not trying to be so egotistical as to suggest that changing my work could in any way influence the ideal of beauty which is created through the media, but I think it is hypocritical of me to be against the waifish anorexic ideal and at the same time manipulate images I make to make the subjects look thinner. I have already come to grips with manipulating images for a private order; if someone wants me to retouch their pictures and make them look a certain way that is their decision. However, when shooting fashion images for publication, I have decided not to alter the images in any way that will make them look like they weigh less. The problem with this decision, despite the fact that I am going to stick to it, is that it will probably not get me as much business as doing the opposite.
In case you aren’t aware of how far this kind of thing can go, and exactly what is possible with photoshop, see one of my older posts on the subject.
Have you had, and are to trying to do much fashion work?
much? No, but I did shoot a fashion spread for the jackson free press a couple of nights before I posted this.
I think its commendable and I hope you hold to it. That’s a tough stance to take when you know that it might directly affect your income.
About 7 years ago, or so, a photographer by the name of Holly Sasnett started a therapy program to help women with eating disorders by helping them actually see themselves. Her whole theory was to bring a woman in and take photos of this subject without the subject’s face being revealed. This allowed the individual to actually SEE herself…instead of associating her face (which triggers the dismorphia) with her body…
I know i’m coming in late…but. I just saw this post.
And if you already knew about this, i’m sorry for the repeat… thought you’d find it interesting, though. There’s always the chance to balance.
I mean. I know what you’re talking about… I had to double check with my headshot photographer to find out exactly what she’d adjusted in my photos (I did not request any adjustments. I need to look like me when I walk into an audition, and the photo can’t throw them off.)