She's A Betty

Photoshopping Is Unreal

This is a bit old, but worth a mention:

I actually gasped when I saw the contrast between Lindsay Lohan's photoshopped Miu Miu ads and an unretouched photo (left). 

::images via Shop Diary.

"You Look Better In Motion"

At least, that's what I tell myself after particularly bad photos. Renault Clio ads via advergirl.

HD's Effect on Body Image

I'm not really a fan of HD, but after reading a New York Times article about HD & porn, I became interested in the new technology's ability to change our body image.  From the article:

“HD is great because people want to see how people really look,” Ms. Price said. “People just want to see what’s real.”

Ms. Price is allowing them to do so, mostly. She had laser treatments to diminish tiny purple veins on her thighs that weren’t visible to viewers before.

“You can see things you cannot see with the naked eye. You see skin blemishes; you see cottage cheese,” said Robbie D. “But some cellulite is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s kind of sexy.” (Link)

Media images have become increasingly airbrushed, and beauty standards consequently raised to an unrealistic level.  Is it possible that HD's unforgiving eye will make for more realistic expectations?  What do you think?

Dove: Evolution Video

Here's the Dove commercial that's been making the blog rounds recently.  The film is part of Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty (warning: automatic video), one of the smartest advertising campaigns ever.  I'm most intrigued by the end, where they change her eyes, neck, and face shape--do they always do that, or is Dove exaggerating to make a point?  I wouldn't be surprised if it's accurate, but it's quite extreme. 

ADDITIONAL NOTE:  Most blogs have also put up "Before" & "After" stills when posting on this video (example: Boing Boing, Counterfeit Chic).  HOWEVER--the "After" still was taken only midway through the process, after the makeup, lighting, and hair, but before any digital modifications.  This unintentionally undermines the commercial's message.  UPDATE: Swissmiss has a correct set of Before & After stills.   

True Beauty: Photoshop Before & Afters

While I know that most print images of women are manipulated (photoshopping, filters, etc.), I've never really known to what extent.  Are the photoshop edits significant or minor?  Is the "it's all photoshopping" just an excuse made by less attractive, and therefore jealous women (as I've heard argued)?  The answer is no, and here's the proof: the Photoshop Before & After.com website.

Site owner Niva Kedem explains the purpose of the website, which compares original and retouched photos, thusly:

I dedicate[d] the website to all the women that look at the mirror and think that the girl in the poster is much nicer; I also dedicated the website to all the men that believe Pamela Anderson is more beautiful than their own wife or girl friend, or the girl next door.

Yay!  My favorite part of the site is probably the 12-step un-photoshopping of a cover model (I actually preferred the original photo).  I also like this photo set, which will make you feel better about your skin (click and you'll see why), and this one (Belly in!  Belly out!  Whee!)

Have fun!

::via Edward Champion's Return of the Reluctant.