The Photoshop Effect: How Much Is Too Much?

I deal with the question of Photoshop each and every day.  Here at Portraits Today Studios we are about affordable, same-day portrait photography.  And the biggest part of our business is photographing babies, children and their families.  So while the subject of photoshop doesn’t come up very often except to ask  ”can you put this head on that picture?” when taking children’s portraits it comes up nearly every time when we get to mom’s photos.

“Can you get rid of the wrinkles under my eyes?”

“Can you fix my scar?”

“Can you help me lose ten pounds?”

“Can you…?”

The answer to all of the questions is “Yes!”  I can.  Now, it’s probably not going to be same day. And there will probably be an additional fee unless you are already paying for one of our Premium Portrait Packages or are a high school senior client at SeniorPhotosKC.com.  But how much is too much when it comes to Photoshop retouching?

I’m all for helping you look your best.  It’s what I do.  But it’s also important, especially for women, and doubly especially (is that a proper phrase?) for teenage girls, to understand that a portrait that has been touched up in even the slightest manner is not 100% reality.  That’s okay.  Until someone starts getting an eating disorder because they are trying to look like someone who doesn’t even look like that them-self.

Ladies, you are beautiful the way you are.  I’ve seen moms self-depricate at their photographs.  They have a husband and beautiful children with them and all they can do is see their flaws.  Sure we can touch those up.  And we’re happy to do so.  But just remember those beautiful tv types, well, they ain’t that perfect, either.

Here is a YouTube video entitled The Photoshop Effect.  Might be worth your time.

The Photoshop Effect