Ep. 129: Why do we still use Photoshop to retouch beauty images?
Note: I know I shared on social that this week's episode was going to be with a guest but the audio came out really poor. So, I’ve been thinking about the concept of retouching lately and I’ve been wondering, as a photographer, beauty writer and consumer, do we really need it? When Photoshop was first launched by Adobe in 1990, the founders thought it might sell a few hundred copies a month but today it would be challenging to find un-retouched beauty imagery, whether that's in a brand campaign or on the cover of a magazine. In this episode I question our motives for relying on retouching software; I wonder if it's making us pretty, or just pretty boring? I bring up the fact that activist Sasha Pallari has had a huge effect on the advertising industry with her #FILTERDROP hashtag, resulting in brands being encouraged to work with influencers who don't use filters in ads. If this can happen with social media, why hasn't it happened with the publishing industry? CORRECTION: in the episode I incorrectly label Sasha's hashtag as #NoFilter. I really apologise for this and I am so annoyed with myself! Throughout the episode I focus on three different cover shoots that have looked super retouched to me, featuring Rihanna, Naomi Campbell and most recently, Beyonce. I'd love to know what you think; do you think retouching is just part of beauty and media? Do you want to see real skin? Do you think I'm over-reacting? Let me know over in the DMs @beautymepodcast or email me beautymepodcast@gmail.com. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to rate and review it and share it with a friend! You can find out more about what I'm up to via my weekly newsletter; sign up for free at https://beautymenotes.substack.com. See you next time! Artwork image: https://www.charissekenionphoto.co