Development and Social Perspective of Photographic Retouching Throughout History

The practices of retouching and manipulating images have existed since the creation of the first photograph in the 19th century. Whilst the methodologies of retouching have changed drastically throughout history, from their roots in the analogue era to the software of the digital age, the reason for its use in the world of photography has always remained clear – either to enhance the quality of a photograph or to alter it for political or commercial purposes. In the analogue era, the methodologies for retouching were incomparably more cumbersome than they are today, in the digital age.

Problem

The practices of retouching and manipulating images have existed since the creation of the first photograph in the 19th century. Whilst the methodologies of retouching have changed drastically throughout history, from their roots in the analogue era to the software of the digital age, the reason for its use in the world of photography has always remained clear – either to enhance the quality of a photograph or to alter it for political or commercial purposes. The ethics and morality of using the aforementioned technique have always been questioned by both photographers and their audience as well as the wider public.

There are numerous arguments for and against the use of retouching. Some argue that the latter is merely a tool or method that enables the photographer to allow their image to reach its full potential – whether it be a landscape photograph, where certain parts of the photograph can be intentionally lightened or darkened to enhance the overall visual appearance, or a commemorative portrait, where the subject's appearance can be slightly altered and consequently presented as somewhat more attractive. Others would argue that the use of retouching would merely be a reflection of the photographer's incompetence or that it should be completely rejected, solely due to its inevitable negative effects on the perception of beauty and body image.

Regardless of what an individual's disposition towards retouching may be, it has become an integral part of the photographic process.

Solution and Method

In the analogue era, the methodologies for retouching were incomparably more cumbersome than they are today, in the digital age. In contemporary times (particularly with the advent of the internet and the rise of social media), retouching has become so accessible that virtually anyone can manipulate their photograph and consequently create their own version of reality. Retouching has become a key part of the commercial products of the fashion and beauty industry.

Although it has been used many times throughout history for political agendas, it is its commercial use in the health, beauty and fashion industry that has had the greatest impact on society. The use of retouching by the media has completely transformed the perception of normality in terms of beauty standards, which has negatively affected the wider public, particularly impressionable younger generations. Thus it has become all the more important that the population is educated through learning about the impact and use of retouching in the world of media.