Like I mentioned on the last day of the year, it seems like 2014 was the year of Photoshop fails / getting called out for altering your Instagram photos. But in just one week, there’s been a few things that make me think 2015 is the year of #nofilter…but a true #nofilter (not the nearly 10 million #nofilter lies…which we’ll get to in a moment). So why exactly are we re-touching these photos in the first place, whether for Instagram or a major publication?
We’ve already discussed why magazines do this. Editors and photographers want perfection (it’s sort of their job) and that’s unachievable without a little re-touching (even if it’s just lighting, not necessarily altering a person’s features). The original photo taken is very rarely going to be the actual photo that’s published (this goes for any situation) and it’s just part of life. We have to deal with it. But every once in a while, someone dares to publish untouched photos (although I never really know if it’s just the person that’s “untouched” or there were no adjustments made to the images whatsoever). The latest taking this risk? None other than Kate Moss…for Vogue Italia to be specific (pictured above). It’s not something you see everyday, but it is to be appreciated. However, I cant help but think…did they choose black and white because imperfections aren’t as obvious as they are in color? If yes, is the idea of publishing untouched photos counterproductive? Just a thought.
But using Photoshop for editorials and ad campaigns is something we’re pretty used to (or should be at this point). The idea of retouching photos to post on Instagram is a newer conversation. I find it ironic, as the whole point of Instagram is to alter your photo with one of their many filter options, yet people are now demanding “real” images. I realize that an Instagram filter cannot make wrinkles disappear or suddenly create a thigh gap but in general, a majority of people want to create visually appealing images with the hopes of getting a lot of likes. And you’re not going to get that with a grainy unedited image of something that’s not exciting (unless you have millions of followers and people like your photos regardless of what they’re of).
Just yesterday Vogue published a story about experimenting with an unfiltered life (where they learned that over 10 million photos tagged #nofilter are actually filtered, as I previously mentioned). This editor changed the way he portrayed himself on Instagram for two weeks and shared unfiltered photos of his everyday activities — going to the gym, watching Netflix, a trip to Barnes & Noble, etc. The results were exactly what you’d think…he got half as many likes as he did prior to this experiment. So with that said, do we really WANT to see these types of photos? When you look at bloggers and celebrities traveling the world and doing cool shit, the comments flow in “I want your life!” “So cool…I want to be you!!” etc etc. And then they post something that appears to be Photoshopped, we call them out and suddenly they’re “not real.” So then what do you want from an Instagram account? Realness or inspiration? Because in this case, I’m not sure we can have it all.
Many bloggers are very strategic about what they post on Instagram — it has to be the perfect angle, ideal lighting and of course some adjustments afterwards (honestly I’d partake in this more if I knew more about angles and lighting…unfortunately I have to deal with the selfie skill set I was given, which is none). Taking 100 selfies before they find “the one” and perhaps using my favorite bullshit hashtag #nomakeupselfie (caked-on foundation IS makeup, my friends). Now I’m not not guilty of these sorts of things…but everything in moderation, right? Is the first photo I take the one I post on Instagram? Sometimes, but most of the time no. Are my photos unedited? Absolutely not. I’m not the best photographer. Like I said, I don’t know the best angles and the best lighting so I count on apps like Snapseed and VSCO Cam to help me in that department. Have I ever edited my face? That would be a yes. Unfortunately I’m not like Lorde and feel comfortable calling out my acne. I might blur out a blemish every once in a while (my attempt to make a zit on my chin disappear below). But why wouldn’t I? Would you publish a close-up of your face when you’re breaking out?
I’m not trying to make my legs look a mile long, I’m not trying to give myself more of a waist, and I’m not trying to make myself look like John Mayer…but if me editing out a blemish here and there gives you an unrealistic view of how someone should look, I think we have bigger problems.
So now for some questions — is it wrong to edit photos before posting on Instagram? Is it wrong to tag #nofilter if you’ve edited in other apps but didn’t use an actual Instagram filter? Does it really ruin your self-esteem to see John Mayer’s oh-so-perfect skin? And for those who think it’s so wrong to alter Instagrams…what about makeup and plastic surgery? If we’re supposed to be okay with our “natural selves” then plastic surgery and makeup should be out of the question, right? I realize this is a gray area, it’s neither black nor white, but it’s just something to think about. People wear makeup and maybe get a nose job or an eye lift to feel better about their appearance, and doesn’t the same go for a photo? You wouldn’t want a picture of yourself that you don’t feel comfortable with to be on the Internet, right? So why post one? Something to ponder. But now it’s your turn.
What do you think of edited photos on Instagram? Where do you draw the line with regards to altering an image to publish? Be honest. Even if you totally disagree with me, I still want to hear from you. It’s a hot topic so get commenting!
Images via Instagram & WhoWhatWear
I think as long as you don’t go overboard, it’s OK! commenters can be so mean… you’re damned if you do, and you’re damned if you don’t. if you have a food baby, people will make fun…. but as soon as they see you’ve cinched your tummy in, they make fun as well. i think that as long as you put your best face/foot/selfie forward without entirely altering who you are, you’re well in your right to publish a picture that makes you feel good about yourself! BIG emphasis on “not altering who you are” though… bloggers have a lot of influence on their readers — it’s foolish and dishonest to create an entirely new internet personality… it’s like fashion catfishing haha.
xo, coco | millennielle.com
Good answer. Couldn’t agree more!
Great post! There’s a lot of debate on Instagram. On one hand, you want to be real. On the other, it’s meant as a platform to share pretty pictures! I don’t see anything wrong with any level of editing on Instagram. People who put more effort into having perfect pictures deserve more likes and followers. However, I think people need to remember pictures can be very misleading to what something (or someone) looks like in real life. And being authentic definitely has a place in the blog world.