Retouching photographs

In a refreshing move, stock photo agency Getty Images has taken a stand and banned retouched images of models. In a mail to its contributors, the agency said that they would require them to “not submit any creative content depicting models whose shapes have been retouched, to make them look thinner or larger”. We speak to prominent names in the world of modelling and fashion and ask them their views on the move. We also quiz them on how photoshopping, or the lack of it, could affect them and their work.

Photoshopped images look unnatural — what’s even the point?
Noyonika Chatterjee, Model
I absolutely agree with this. Sometimes, when I do shows and I’m looking for models, I prefer making the choice from pictures because there are talented girls applying from different cities and even smaller towns. But then I am in for a huge surprise when I finally get to meet them. So many models I meet don’t match the pictures they sent — their faces look a bit different, different height, and even a different skin tone! In modelling, it is important to know what a person looks like in real life without any modifications. Photoshopping doesn’t help the cause at all. And personally, I don’t appreciate my images being altered. If I’m old and grey, it is just something that should be accepted. Photoshopped images look unnatural — what’s even the point?

‘Maybe this initiative will push  photographers to up their game’
Arvind Chenji, Photographer
As a photographer, we always use Photoshop to do away with minor errors. I have never used the software to completely alter a person's look — it is unacceptable. Personally, I am quite happy with this step. Photographers and magazines are always brushing up images to almost unreal standards. Maybe this initiative will push photographers to up their game, truly learn the art of photography and not depend on an editing software.

‘Show the world the reality of a photograph’
Vivek Karunakaran, Designer
I think the conscious idea of Getty Images is to show the world the reality of a photograph. And I completely support thier decision. But advertising agencies, films, and photographers retouch images to enhance a product or the beauty where it doesn’t alter the look and feel of the person who is promoting it. And, according to me, that is completely alright. But the problem arises when you make a person look different from what they are. However, since I appreciate the real look, I strongly stand against retouching a picture to make the models look different.

‘Too early to assume how things are going to be’
Paarvati Saraswathy, Designer
Let a model remain as she or he is — tall, thin, bulky or dark — what matters is how well they drive home the point. Irrespective of appearance, a model has to carry what the designer intends to. There will be comments; it depends largely on the viewers’ mindset. And a model with a healthy mental makeup won’t resort to unhealthy dietary habits or practices to meet any beauty parameters. Fashion industry, the world over, is driven by marketing techniques. If the marketing side is good, rest of the things would fall in place. Just wait and watch how the no-retouch images of models make an impact in the world of fashion, as it is too early to assume how things are going to be.

‘I don’t even look like the same person anymore after they retouch my images’
Priyanka Kochhar, biker and model
I am all for the move! It needed to be done because I’ve realised that I don’t even look like the same person anymore after they retouch my images. My skin looks plastic, hair looks plastic with a fake sheen; these impossible beauty standards were being set for the longest time because of retouching. It’s important for the world, modelling agencies and clients to accept us for who we are and not how they want us to look after our photos have undergone a process. It’s one where most people won’t even be able to tell that it’s you anymore! We are in an era where positive body image is the need of the hour. Little girls, teenagers and women look up to models. When they start to see what models really look like without post production, they’ll start to appreciate themselves for who they are. In fact, I’m all for no makeup too! I’ve been promoting that on my social media accounts for the longest time. We have got to be comfortable in our own skin!

‘Will lead to a more wider acceptance of who we are as women’
Seema Malhotra, Fashion Designer
I am all for a movement that allows more natural beauty for women and teens to follow. There are such dire consequences of bad self image and body image that I have seen so many women go through. When you open up fashion magazines, everything looks alien and unattainable. This has become so normal for us, and this is quite unhealthy. This movement could  bring fashion and beauty to a level that is attainable, aspirational and doable. This will lead to a more wider acceptance of who we are as women. Every woman's objective is to be the best she can be I think it's a good move as we go back to being who we are which is our natural selves. We will slowly get used to real beauty and stop feeding on something unreal, and that is more inspiring. As a fashion designer, my goal is tohighlight whatever beautiful aspect there is of a woman. My job as  a designer  is not to squeeze her into a mold that doesn't fit her or doesn't enhance her beauty in anyway