The James Kilgour BlogA Life Blog.

Liberal Democrat Jo Swinson has hit out about airbrushing, a common practice amongst the Rich, Famous and Beautiful, in the world of Media Perfection. She is asking for such photos to be banned if aimed at under-16s, and if not, carry warnings and disclaimers. Victoria Beckham’s appearance in a recent Armani Underwear ad has been highlighted:

‘She doesn’t look real,’ she said of the Armani ad. ‘One suspects work has been done in the photo suite. There is an obvious danger with thinking this is an easily achievable and healthy body image.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After seeing this picture, I have decided to create my own designer advert. Using a homemade Blue Screen Studio, (and a ton of lighting), I have put together my own super enhanced retouched ad. And I look a little silly.

You can see me here in front of a blue screen. I created this using a Blue Bed Sheet, propped up on my wardrobe doors. I then used a variety of household lights to light the Screen, and then a second set to light myself. The coat is DKNY and my red hoodie is Hilfiger. (Thought I would mention that… I don’t own Armani Underwear).

I then put the picture through some software called Portrait Pro, to airbrush my face, and then through Photoshop to retouch my shape. Following this, I used FXHome Photokey to change the background to a stock photo. Finally, I used Photoshop to change it to Black & White, and I enhanced the contrast. I also made a few other changes; (like removing the DKNY tag off my coat: I forgot!)

So. Here is the finished article:

This doesn’t look much like me.

I think the majority of people would say that Airbrushing and Retouching is wrong: it gives a false impression and aspirations to the impressionable. Young Girls (and Boys) are especially vulnerable, with 40-60% of western girls being on a diet, with 5.7% women (usually around 17 years old) being classed as Anorexic. (This compares to 3.2% in LEDCs, where airbrushing is less prevalent.) Stats. here.  

However, I regularly retouch my photos: yes, I only do slights adjustments such as Skin Enhancing, and Spot Removal. But I still do it. Why? Insecurity… Vanity? I’m not really sure, but perhaps this comes from the media culture of Retouching and false “Perfection”.

JK