Cornish Maine Boudoir Photographer // How The Use Of AI Face Filter & The Overuse Of Photoshop Can Be Extremely Damaging To Women
I want to talk about an issue that is close to my heart both as a parent and a photographer: the damaging effects of face filters and excessive Photoshop use, especially on women. I try to explain to my kids that 90% of what they see on the internet is not actually, well, reality. Photographers use Photoshop to manipulate their images in a way to make them perfect. Social Media is filled with people using facial filters and body morphing apps. It has almost become an expectation that this is what is put out into the world.
As photographers, we have the ability to capture the raw, unfiltered beauty of the world around us. But all too often, we are tempted to manipulate and alter our images in the name of perfection. We use technology to smooth out blemishes, blur imperfections, and create a false sense of flawlessness. We use Photoshop to sculpt bodies, erase lines and wrinkles, and create an idealized version of ourselves.
While these tools can be useful in some situations, they can also be incredibly damaging to our mental health, particularly for young women. When we constantly see images of "perfect" bodies and faces, it creates an unattainable standard of beauty that can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even depression.
This pressure to be perfect is especially harmful to young people who are still developing their sense of self and their self-worth. When they are bombarded with images of "perfect" bodies and faces, it can lead to a distorted sense of reality and a negative body image.
As photographers, we have a responsibility to use our talents to capture the beauty of the world around us in an authentic and honest way. Trust me, I still retouch all of my images, but my clients still look like themselves in each of there photos, just a better version. We should resist the temptation to rely on Photoshop to create a false sense of perfection. Instead, we should celebrate the unique features and imperfections that make each person and each moment special.
By embracing authenticity and rejecting the pressure to be perfect, we can create a world where everyone can feel confident and proud of who they are, both in front of and behind the camera.
