Smile and say "No Photoshop"

What are the main points of the article?

The main points of the article are reviewing the use of Photoshop as a good or bad way. It also brings the idea of what is real and what isn’t . The article stresses the fact that with our digital technology we can manipulate photos easily. Photoshop is used so often past the boundaries of what is ethically right, people question, when is to much? And when will it come to an end? If it ever does.

Do you agree you agree with the general push and overall ideas of the article?

I do agree that there should be some limitations. With new digital techniques bodies that outstretch the limits of what is humanly normal are created. This is prominent in magazines and adds. I feel that these acts create a negative self image for the viewers. I agree with those who say that it adds to the way women are being visually defined. In our society, we are pressured to fit into a certain norm. The fact of the matter is that those who are photographed or in movies. Don’t even look like that. It is important that we, the viewers of the media, develop a strong resistance against being pressured into thinking we have to look perfect. We have to make sure that Photoshop and these adds and media don’t create a false reality in our minds.

When should Photoshop be/not be used to alter a photograph?

I think that Photoshop should be used to enhance a picture, not completely alter it. I see no problem in using the technology to clear up blemishes to make a photo look more profession. What I do think is wrong is taking of inches from the waist, making muscles look better and real. This use of alteration, not only creates a false self image, but it is ethically wrong and effects the society on a higher level. Photoshop is okay to fix technical errors such as blur or unwanted objects, but there is a fine line that is crossed to often.

Point of view, Macro Minutiae and Motion

What is your interpretation of the purpose of each of these assignments?
I feel that the point of these projects was to look at normal objects that we see from different angles and aspects much like people may have different views. The point of view assignment, really captures the idea that you can disover new things about a subject from looking at it from a different set of eyes or view. The macro minutiae project shows that importance of detail. The motion project for me, showed how to caputure the essence of the subject in a moment in time.

What do you think is the most important you learned from each project?
I learned that that for point of view you have to not be afraid of taking risks in the way you view things. There are so many ways to interpt different photos and by taking risks in your angles and set ups you allow for more options. The macro project really made me focus more on the quality of my pictures and the time I took into setting them up. For me, motion was about getting snap shots of life. I learned that motion can be views in different ways. It could be abstract and it could be very obvious by the blur of an object.

Why do you suppose the three projects were in this order?
I feel that each project set you up for the next. After the point of view project i had a better understanding of the risks to take and the angles that work best, so going into the macro project, I had a better background to work with. Combining these techniques you could enhance your motion pictures.

How do you feel you did on each project?
I feel that I did well on all of the projects. I struggled some with being creative enough to find many different angles and positions for the point of view project. I feel I did the best in the macro minutiae project because I really wasn't afriad to get close or focus on random objects. I felt that I could pay attention to detail best. In the motion project, I feel that my pictures were slightly rough and to me not artistic enough. I had more of an abstract though of motion such as a merry-go-round. Overall, I feel that I achieved the goals of each assignment successfully.

What is something that you wish you would have done?
I wish that I would have experiemented a little more with my subjects for the point of view project and the motion project. I would have maybe changed the objects I choose to photograph.

What was your favorite project and why?
I loved the macro minutiae project. I got to take weird pictures that I feel enticed the audience to want to know more and really appreciate the beauty of the objects with out the distractions of the surroundings. I was also the one lagging behind in the group on the trip I was on because I always found something that I wanted to photograph for this project.

Has one or more of these projects impacted your photography?
I would say that the macro project has because it has taught me how to really pay close attention to details and take more time and effort with my pictures.