Like numerous amazing tools people invented in human history, Photoshop is one unprecedented and powerful tool in digital imaging.
Many wonderful tools we use everyday are actually like two-edge swords, which have good and bad effects on us. For example, the explosives can be used to dig tunnels and open up roads in the mountains; but they can also be used by thieves to blow up safe in the banks and, even more horrifying, to kill thousands of people in a split second.
Many of you should have already noticed Photoshop’s possible good or bad effects on our image culture. Here, let me refresh your minds:
In photojournalism, images of actual event are digitally removed, altered or added to create a strong impact when describing a news event.
In historical photography, historical people or elements are digitally removed, altered or added to suit the historical documentation.
In public relations photography, people or scenes are digitally removed, altered or added to support the ideology of an organization.
In advertising photography, people or products are digitally removed, altered or added to lure customers to buy the product.
In wildlife photography, animals or habitat are digitally removed, altered or added to satisfy the needs of curious eyes.
In nature photography, landscapes or vegetations are digitally removed, altered or added to achieve the unfinished work of the mighty God.
In scientific photography, microorganisms or colors of light wave are digitally removed, altered or added to prove the existence of certain data from scientific experiments.
In fine art photography, elements in photos are arbitrarily digitally removed, altered or added to achieve the effect the artists’ pursuit without the consideration of viewers’ reasonable expectation.
In personal photography, World’s Seven Greatest Wonders are digitally added to the background of people’s photo albums. Absentees of marriage ceremonies can get back in line of the group photo.
The list is continuously developing. How is Photoshop affecting our image culture? Is credibility in photography still worth a dime? What problems would arise from different categories of photography? Should there be a difference in the rules of practicing Photoshop in different kinds of photography? Where should we draw the line? What is the rationale of the arguments? Is there anything we can do to resolve the problem? What is your opinion as a digital imaging practitioner?
DigitalCustom Group on photo restoration guideline
http://www.digitalcustom.com/howto/restorationguidelines.asp
Poynter institute photo manipulation guidelines on news media
http://www.poynter.org/content/content_print.asp?id=46964&custom=
Photo Tempering cases throughout history
http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/farid/research/digitaltampering/
DigitalPhotojournalist.org guidlines
http://www.digitalphotojournalist.org/information2.html
North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) guidelines
http://www.nanpa.org/committees/ethics/manip_intro.html
A discussion of digital manipulation on nature photography on The Atlantic Online.
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/98may/photo.htm
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) guidelines
http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/digitalethics.html
A real estate agent’s discussion on Photoshoping real estate photos (advertising)
http://activerain.com/blogsview/201892/Photography-101-The-Ethics-of-Digital-Manipulation
Photojournalism
Ohio photojournalist Allan Detrich altered 58 news photos in one year
L. A. Times photographer Brian Walski composed two photos taken at Iraqi war zone to one photo.
Historical photo
In 2004, a fake photo of John Kerry and Jane Fonda appeared at an anti-war rally together was published.
Public relation, promotional photo
University of Wisconsin at Madison digitally inserted a black student to a photo on a brochure cover.
Advertising photo
In 2001, National Capital Commission published a brochure for the city of Ottawa of Canada with altered landscape and background structures that does not exist in the real scene.
Scientific photography
Missouri University professor R. Michael Roberts altered image collected in scientific research.
Nature photography
Nature photographer Art Wolfe combines photos of wild animals taken at different time and location to one single photo without mentioning the manipulation while displaying the photo.
From the above 6 categories, pick one and elaborate on the guidelines from professional organizations or established institutes on using digital manipulation (Photoshoping) in that particular category. You will need to cite one real case and talk about the controversial arguments and use the professional guidelines to explain why the manipulated photos are problematic. Please show your photo during your presentation. Your grading will depend on how well you prepare your material and how effective you present your case in class.