The Art of Retouching

When I first began flirting with the idea of starting a blog, this is SO not how I thought it would begin. But I think this is important.

Before I give you the link to The Art of Retouching's portfolio, I have to say that I believe Glenn Feron is highly talented and very good at what he does. But when I was describing the site to my mom, she said she thought tweaking media images should be illegal; and a small part of me feels that way too. Before I show how truly wishy-washy I am on this point, have a look at:
http://glennferon.com.nyud.net:8090/portfolio1/index.html

Lesson number one is that NOT EVEN MODELS REALLY LOOK LIKE WHAT WE SEE IN THE MAGAZINES! We all know this on a conscious level; but seeing is believing, and we see these glossed up images in the media day after day. Does seeing so many before and after shots help the reality sink in? Consider that these are all beautiful, fit people to begin with. Then they put on make-up and special clothes. Then they walk into an environment enhanced by professionals to provide the most flattering light. Then they pose and are photographed from the most flattering angle by other professionals . . . resulting in the BEFORE shot. THEN Mr. Feron works his magic.

As we are presented with these retouched images daily, and invariably compare ourselves to something that is not real, the whole situation would seem, well, bad. But let me present another side . . .

The second lesson: SUBTLE CHANGES CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. A minor reshaping of a shirt's neckline can flatter your jawline. A slight change in posture can smooth those skin wobbles. A tiny shift in the hairline can draw attention to already gorgeous eyes. An uncluttered background lets the people in the room take center stage. If something small, safe, and inexpensive can make a big difference my self-perception, shouldn't I try it? By way of example, the most consistent change Mr. Feron has made in his portfolio photographs is to even out skin tone. Some self-tanner (Lavera makes a safe one) or a little foundation (Bare Minerals is natural and has an SPF of 15) can do that for most anyone. I think my spider viens will get a coat of tanner tonight -- they will still be there, but maybe I will notice them less for a few days. It's a little thing I can do for me.

There could be other little lessons hiding in that portfolio. Take only what benefits you. I got some amusement at what Feron and/or his market percieve as beautiful: sometimes less is more (bodices and bellies were almost universally reduced), sometimes more is more (both bottoms and the clothing covering them were increased). And I got some catty satisfaction in knowing that even those gorgeous models have thier tummies flattened and thier celulite smoothed.