Should I retouch pics of people?

[Autumnovember]

I am NOT using Photoshop to change people's weight, or remove double chins ,or wrinkles though if I have 5 pics of a person and one happens to make their double chin REALLY pronounced that will probably qualify it to become one of the many pics I throw away.
I took around 200 pics and throw away the vast majority for many reasons.
One discarded pic may be a side view of a person in which their gut sticks out under the bottom of his shirt, or I may crop that pic above the chest if the face is a good shot.
Yes, I'd either retouch the spinach off the tooth or not post that pic.

IMHO posting that pic with a person's gut sticking out of their shirt would be inconsiderate.
If that makes me some evil, bigoted monster, so be it.

I'm trying to use my tools to make people look good (YES, I confess MY interpretation of good.)

Well now I'm confused because your original post said that you WERE editing to remove "unfortunate signs of age" which to me would be pretty obviously referring to wrinkles.

To me it seems like this topic was orchestrated to stir the pot. How can you be so for women's 'natural beauty' but then confess the need to make people look good according to your standards when they never asked to have their picture taken in the first place?

This whole situation seems a bizarre attempt at internet drama.

Giiiiiiiive it up! You clearly don't like what Kenny has to say so why even bother opening up his thread?

 

[4ever]

I like the idea of very subtle re-touching. As in, so subtle that no one thinks "Wow, nice re-touching, my skin looks great" but rather "Wow thats a really nice photo of me"

 

[Jennifer W]

I'd prefer to remain untouched (as it were) since I am what I am. I mean, I am comfortable in my own skin, so I don't need to be flattered or changed. Wouldn't say no to a really nice tiara being photoshopped artfully onto me though.

 

[Skippy123]

I'd prefer to remain untouched (as it were) since I am what I am. I mean, I am comfortable in my own skin, so I don't need to be flattered or changed. Wouldn't say no to a really nice tiara being photoshopped artfully onto me though.

haha, I like that!


I guess it depends on how it is done. I have seen some where they photo shop like crazy and they no longer look human, kind of plastic like. I personally like the natural look. You do have great photography skills Kenny so I bet the pics look great as is!

 

[Mara]

YES. In fact, I absolutely hate when people take candid pics of me and then post them on FB or whatever (and tag me!) without letting me see them first and/or edit them. I am a huge fan of re-touching. It's the beauty of technology. I, and everyone else, see the real me all the time. I love a little modification in print, lol. FWIW I also am very secure but hey, why not smooth my skin a little?!

The funny thing is I always post-process pics, never post them SOOC--and a bunch of my friends often tell me they are grateful I never just post random candid pics of them, I also use crop very liberally (which everyone should do IMO). When other friends do they often come to me and complain!

Now if we're talking like removal of birthmarks or whatever, that might be up for debate by the individuals, but skin smoothing, removing a few small things, not talking turning them into a diff person...then sure.

 

[Porridge]

Yes, retouch! I don't really care how I actually look, as long as I think I look fabulous!

 

[kenny]

I like the idea of very subtle re-touching. As in, so subtle that no one thinks "Wow, nice re-touching, my skin looks great" but rather "Wow thats a really nice photo of me"

Thank you.
You have deftly and succinctly articulated my goal.

 

[kenny]

I voted "slightly" because in this particular situation I'd probably appreciate a subtle amount of re-touching.

On the other hand, I'm wondering if everyone at the party knew they were being photographed, and knew that the photos were going to be posted on a Photobucket site that everyone at the party would be able to access? Because I loathe most photos of myself, and if it were me, I'd want the opportunity to opt out of that kind of photo album. Even my daughters know better than to post a photo of me on Facebook that I haven't pre-approved. Perhaps instead of worrying about the re-touching, you should make sure you have permission from everyone before you post images in the album.

Yes, actually, excellent post.

I am a very private person and would *not* want someone posting pictures of me anywhere without asking me if it is OK first.

Yes, this is how I feel. I hate seeing pics of myself and I would be uncomfortable if someone posted them on facebook for others to see without my permission.

ETA: I have rosacea and if I am flushing and my face and/or nose is red I would be OK with you subtly retouching my photo for sure because that is embarrassing for me.

I, and my SO, have Rosacea too.
Usually I'll pick 3 or 4 pics out the the group to release in B&W, and this can be a very considerate way to help that person look wonderful without that distraction.

Photography is a fantastic thing.
To me it is all about sharing a kind of love.

 

[Haven]

I never retouch photos. I'm so surprised to hear that so many do.

I like the idea of so subtle it isn't even noticeable.

 

[kenny]

I never retouch photos. I'm so surprised to hear that so many do.

I like the idea of so subtle it isn't even noticeable.

I suspect it is a growing trend in our ever-changing tech-heavy world.
Social changes can be very interesting topics.
Hence this thread.

Everyone with a mac has the software to do it since iPhoto comes free on every mac.
You don't need the expensive Photoshop or anything else.

I have no idea what comes on a PC.

 

[justginger]

Me neither, Haven. I took our photo book from our recent trip to work and everyone asked what editing program I used. I don't own a Mac and am not sure I'd ever be capable of properly using Photoshop. My editing program is my brain, when I'm taking the photo.

To answer your question, Kenny, I know of no one in my life who wouldn't be thrilled with subtle alterations. Everyone appreciates seeing the best version of themselves.

 

[Maria D]

A miraculous thing has happened as my face ages: my formerly ultra-sharp vision has loosened up right along with my skin tone! So if I can remember to take my glasses off before looking into the mirror I can take a at least a decade off of the appearance of my aging face. Even better, my husband's lens prescription is stronger than mine so without *his* glasses, he thinks I'm 35. Do I really need your high-tech whiz bang camera to "see" what my same age friends can't? I think not, so I would be happy with very light touch editing.

Mara, what does SOOC mean?

 

[packrat]

straight out of the camera? is that what it means maybe?

 

[Missy]

I voted "slightly" because in this particular situation I'd probably appreciate a subtle amount of re-touching.

On the other hand, I'm wondering if everyone at the party knew they were being photographed, and knew that the photos were going to be posted on a Photobucket site that everyone at the party would be able to access? Because I loathe most photos of myself, and if it were me, I'd want the opportunity to opt out of that kind of photo album. Even my daughters know better than to post a photo of me on Facebook that I haven't pre-approved. Perhaps instead of worrying about the re-touching, you should make sure you have permission from everyone before you post images in the album.

Yes, actually, excellent post.

I am a very private person and would *not* want someone posting pictures of me anywhere without asking me if it is OK first.

Yes, this is how I feel. I hate seeing pics of myself and I would be uncomfortable if someone posted them on facebook for others to see without my permission.

ETA: I have rosacea and if I am flushing and my face and/or nose is red I would be OK with you subtly retouching my photo for sure because that is embarrassing for me.

I, and my SO, have Rosacea too.
Usually I'll pick 3 or 4 pics out the the group to release in B&W, and this can be a very considerate way to help that person look wonderful without that distraction.

Photography is a fantastic thing.
To me it is all about sharing a kind of love.

I agree- most of my favorite photos are black and white. It seems so romantic to me. In fact, our wedding album is in black and white and that was before I developed rosacea.

 

[junebug17]

Kenny, I actually think it's pretty nice that you want people to feel good about how they look in pics, I think it's thoughtful of you. I unfortunately won't be much help because I go back and forth between none and slightly. I can only offer how I felt when my sister removed our wrinkles from a pic before posting it on FB. I'll be honest, my initial gut reaction when she told me was "do I look that bad au natural?" I guess I can be pretty sensitive sometimes! But you know what, when I saw the pic on her page I was fine with it - I still looked like me, my skin just looked every so slightly smoother. Frankly, I really didn't look that much different. If she hadn't told me she had done it, I most likely would not have even noticed.

But, that said, maybe in this case I'd err on the side of caution and not re-touch. Most would probably be fine with it, but a few might get miffed if they find out. And as a PP said, everyone sort of knows what they look like. Of course, if they are just subtle changes probably nobody will notice, but you never know.

 

[Christina...]

YES. In fact, I absolutely hate when people take candid pics of me and then post them on FB or whatever (and tag me!) without letting me see them first and/or edit them. I am a huge fan of re-touching. It's the beauty of technology. I, and everyone else, see the real me all the time. I love a little modification in print, lol. FWIW I also am very secure but hey, why not smooth my skin a little?!

The funny thing is I always post-process pics, never post them SOOC--and a bunch of my friends often tell me they are grateful I never just post random candid pics of them, I also use crop very liberally (which everyone should do IMO). When other friends do they often come to me and complain!

Now if we're talking like removal of birthmarks or whatever, that might be up for debate by the individuals, but skin smoothing, removing a few small things, not talking turning them into a diff person...then sure.

I completely agree with everything that Mara said!

I wish my friends were as courteous when they posted photos of me all over their FB wall. I think it's a kindness to remove running mascara, marinara sauce from a white tee-shirt, or a wardrobe malfunction of sorts. I agree that it could be hurtful to adjust a crooked nose, or gapped front teeth, but you've made it clear that this isn't your intent. I think that the fact that you threw out many of the photos that may have caused embarrassment speaks volumes of your character. Many people I know wouldn't give a thought to the feelings of the people in the photos. I can't tell you how many pics my mom has posted of me in unflattering positions at the beach! Could you teach her how to photoshop? Or at the very least some manners!

 

[JewelFreak]

I woudn't object to subtle photoshopping that made me look more like ME. I am definitely not photogenic -- somehow every blackhead, lump, or icky piece of something stuck on my chin seems to stand out in neon in photos. I'd rather not have that image for posterity. Too much accuracy can be painful! Can't imagine its being a big issue -- (could you make me look like Jennifer Aniston?) -- if you don't do radical surgery.

 

[Andelain]

I voted "slightly" because in this particular situation I'd probably appreciate a subtle amount of re-touching.

On the other hand, I'm wondering if everyone at the party knew they were being photographed, and knew that the photos were going to be posted on a Photobucket site that everyone at the party would be able to access? Because I loathe most photos of myself, and if it were me, I'd want the opportunity to opt out of that kind of photo album. Even my daughters know better than to post a photo of me on Facebook that I haven't pre-approved. Perhaps instead of worrying about the re-touching, you should make sure you have permission from everyone before you post images in the album.

This is my thought. I'm a very private person in many ways, and don't post pics of myself on the internet. I sure wouldn't appreciate someone else doing it without my permission.

 

[Andelain]

YES. In fact, I absolutely hate when people take candid pics of me and then post them on FB or whatever (and tag me!) without letting me see them first and/or edit them............

In your facebook privacy settings you can set it so you review and approve all taggings of you before they're posted. I did this, and the tags don't show to anyone unless I approve them.

 

[Laila619]

I'd just leave the photos alone. I'm sure everyone looks fine. People know that they have a few wrinkles or spots or what have you. I say embrace them!

 

[Mara]

I wish my friends were as courteous when they posted photos of me all over their FB wall. I think it's a kindness to remove running mascara, marinara sauce from a white tee-shirt, or a wardrobe malfunction of sorts. I agree that it could be hurtful to adjust a crooked nose, or gapped front teeth, but you've made it clear that this isn't your intent. I think that the fact that you threw out many of the photos that may have caused embarrassment speaks volumes of your character. Many people I know wouldn't give a thought to the feelings of the people in the photos. I can't tell you how many pics my mom has posted of me in unflattering positions at the beach! Could you teach her how to photoshop? Or at the very least some manners!

Right? Or sitting hunched over or picking something out of your teeth. Hellloooo, don't put that shizz online! LOL.

SOOC ...straight off of camera or out of camera, whichever. But I am a post processing junkie, not just of people but everything. I love the extra vibrance or oomph you can give photos that right off the camera typically can't. Though I did set my DSLR to vibrance+2 so basically it shoots everything a bit more vibrant than normal, helps with not having to post process as much.

 

[Skippy123]

I wish my friends were as courteous when they posted photos of me all over their FB wall. I think it's a kindness to remove running mascara, marinara sauce from a white tee-shirt, or a wardrobe malfunction of sorts. I agree that it could be hurtful to adjust a crooked nose, or gapped front teeth, but you've made it clear that this isn't your intent. I think that the fact that you threw out many of the photos that may have caused embarrassment speaks volumes of your character. Many people I know wouldn't give a thought to the feelings of the people in the photos. I can't tell you how many pics my mom has posted of me in unflattering positions at the beach! Could you teach her how to photoshop? Or at the very least some manners!

Right? Or sitting hunched over or picking something out of your teeth. Hellloooo, don't put that shizz online! LOL.

SOOC ...straight off of camera or out of camera, whichever. But I am a post processing junkie, not just of people but everything. I love the extra vibrance or oomph you can give photos that right off the camera typically can't. Though I did set my DSLR to vibrance+2 so basically it shoots everything a bit more vibrant than normal, helps with not having to post process as much.

oh my, that is too funny!!! This reminded me of an annoying cousin that LOVED to take pictures of us during Thanksgiving when everyone had food in their mouth or mid bite! Those pictures were the worst!!!! We laugh at them now but seriously, what was she thinking?!?!

 

[miraclesrule]

Kenny,

I think that you are doing the right thing.
1. It's a private gathering and the link will be private (although some people will try to copy them, eh?)
2. Everyone has the option of asking you to remove a photo that gets added and you will do it.
3. You are being mindful of not wanting to put up pictures that don't embarass attendees caught in unflattering angles (a very common occurence in candid vs. posed photos).

I don't see this as any different than when a photobucket account is set up for a reunion and everyone and their brother start uploading pictures taken during the event. I can't imagine anyone being insulted if the photos you upload have minor edits, including cropping (as Mara said, something a lot more people should do). You would not believe some of the fugly photos that got uploaded by others at my 30-yr reunion. I was not at all pleased that someone took a gazillion photos of some of crazy love hugs after not having seen each either other in years. They could have chosen the best of the 5, for example and posted that one. Instead they posted everything SOOC without a thought at all. I try to take great photos to begin with and if they are crappy, they get deleted or just stay with me for my memories. My daughter is a photographer and whether she is being paid for the gig, or doing it because she loves to provide people with a captured moment in time...she is going to use Lightroom. I think they are very lucky to have you there to document the event and provide them with beautiful memories. I trust your judgement to know that you are not going to go overboard and "photoshop" them away. Many inexperienced people do not understand just how much of the little crazy things show up in glaring fashion when you are using the type of equipment that you have. It's not even remotely close to normal point and shoot cameras or cell phone pics. Heck, I can hardly see a wrinkle in a cell phone pic, but a picture of me with my daughter's camera on her computer and I was like "OOOOOMMMMMGGGGG, I can't even see those lines on my face when I look at it with 20x magnification mirror. I don't like your camera!" But then I see what Lightroom can do and I look just like me, but slightly polished.

Go for it.

 

[Guilty Pleasure]

I am surprised you want to spend the time editing the photos and posting them; that's pretty kind of you! I was the "official" photographer a few months ago at a gathering of friends, and I STILL haven't gotten around to editing and posting the photos on our facebook group site. I love taking the pictures with my new DSLR, but I hate sorting through them and editing/posting

As for the amount of editing, if you're nice enough to spend your time doing that for other people, I think it's okay to do it if it's subtle. I don't think the sort of editing you are talking about changes a person's appearance, but instead enhances what was there. Sometimes the editing actually makes a person look more like her real self, in my opinion. A photograph doesn't always reflect what the eye sees, in my opinion, and can actually create a harshness in wrinkles and age spots that I wouldn't see in real life. I don't mind the little wrinkles around my eyes (too much), but I certainly wouldn't want a photograph that made them MORE defined. When I take pictures of people, I use the portrait setting or change the mode to "soft", and that makes their skin look pretty nice - it doesn't change anything major, but rather fails to highlight the blemishes. I don't think that's any different than light editing after the fact.