Photoshopping is a concept the public has become increasingly aware of during the past few years, as the technology is being used more and more often to doctor the bodies of models and celebrities. This technique is controversial to say the least. However, whether it is morally acceptable to distort the way in which we see the bodies of celebrities and models is a question for another day. Instead, we will examine three photoshop fails featuring three famous women.
This image of Beyoncé, posted on beyonce.com, contains all the tell-tale signs of Photoshop. The wavy lines on both sides of her body suggest that the star’s waist has been digitally slimmed-down, and she has been technologically-bestowed with a thigh gap. Beyoncé is a woman who has helped to make both women of colour and curvier women embrace these aspects of themselves, so this attempt to hide her curves is undoubtedly disappointing for many.
This screengrab of Zendaya’s Instagram page shows the young singer/actress’ response to having found her torso and hips digitally altered to appear slimmer. This appears to have been done without her permission. Her shocked caption exemplifies her anger at this manipulation, as well as stressing that this is not a message that should be sent out to her fans, who are often impressionable pre-teen and teenage girls.
This Vogue cover, featuring actress Kate Winslet, shows that Photoshop is not a tool used just to digitally slim-down celebrities and models, but also to make them appear younger. Kate’s flawless – and notably, wrinkle-free – skin and striking eyes are stunning in this image. However, this simply does not look like Kate; indeed, Kate’s face has been so heavily photoshopped that she is almost unrecognisable. The fact is that no woman of Kate’s age has skin this remarkably smooth and polished – and, more importantly, should not feel that they must.