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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Airbrushed Pics May Get French Health Warning

Lawmakers look to require label on digitally altered photos

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(Newser) – Amid the uproar over fashion photos whose models are airbrushed to teeny-tiny perfection, French politicians are proposing a law that would require any such photos to include a health warning, Reuters reports. Digitally altered ads, press photos, campaign art, packaging, and art photography would have to include “Photograph retouched to modify the physical appearance of a person” or be subject to a fine.

“These images can make people believe in a reality that often does not exist,” says one politician, adding that unrealistic photos could lead to psychological problems such as eating disorders.

Sharon Stone poses on the cover of the December 2000 issue of Elle. It has been rumored that the pictures of the actress have been computer-altered to appear more flattering.
Sharon Stone poses on the cover of the December 2000 issue of Elle. It has been rumored that the pictures of the actress have been computer-altered to appear more flattering.   (Getty Images)
If Aniston's been tweaked, Vogue may have to admit it.
If Aniston's been tweaked, Vogue may have to admit it.   (AP Photo/Vogue)
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12 comments
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christa2000
Sep 22, 09 12:10 PM CDT
great idea Reply
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+9
IN RESPONSE:
reasonator
Sep 22, 09 2:53 PM CDT
Stupid idea. Do we really have to assume the general public is that stupid and hold their hand through everything? Yes, some are that stupid, but it's their own problem. Stop putting government labels and crap on everything.
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-4
IN RESPONSE:
flame821
Sep 23, 09 6:51 PM CDT
Reasonator - if it will help stop impressionable 12 year olds who think that airbrushed beauties are actually real and try to live up to that imaginary standard via bulimia, anorexia or (with older people) cosmetic surgery then yes, it is worth it. Granted adults SHOULD know better, but sadly many of them don't. Many, many people are just that stupid and/or unaware.
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+3
Wills
Sep 22, 09 12:23 PM CDT
Good luck with that. I kinda like the idea of putting a disclaimer (health warning is a stupid way to put it) on airbrushed photos, but where do you draw the line on manipulation? If you use a fuzzy lens and warm, soft lighting, should there be a disclaimer saying "warning, this person might be less attractive in broad daylight, so don't feel bad about yourself"? Why should adjusting the levels or skin tones in post production be different than manipulating the environment when the photo is taken? A valiant effort France, but I think this kind of thing is going to get harder and harder to enforce as we start blurring the line between real and retouched across even more media. Reply
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+1
Realist
Sep 22, 09 12:42 PM CDT
@Wills: I think this is primarily to do with digital retouching, whereby the models have any imperfections magically removed, etc. I think it's a good idea, although it'll remove some of the mystique from French porn mags :) Reply
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