Archive 2014 · Cover Model Makeover - Unexpected Results (Article)

dmacmillan
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Cover Model Makeover - Unexpected Results (Article)

This was on Upworthy:

http://www.upworthy.com/4-ladies-get-the-cover-model-makeover-of-their-dreams-and-then-hate-the-results-11113?c=ufb2

I think it is thought provoking. I put it here instead of post processing because it's about more than post processing.

I recently bought Portrait Pro, mainly out of curiosity. I've run some photos through and after tweaking the settings, I thought the results were a subtle improvement and flattering to the subject. I've run other photos through and it dramatically changed the look of the person, making an almost cartoon of the original. On those photos, I couldn't seem to dial back the settings enough.

The program has algorithms that define the "perfect" facial geometry and alters face shapes to conform to the "ideal". The further away someone's face is from the geometry, the more drastic the changes. The problem is that it contorts their face and drains away the character.

Don't get me wrong, "liquify" is my friend, along with other flattering techniques. Hopefully this video will get you thinking about any flattering post processing you may be doing.

Feb 22, 2014 at 05:21 PM

chuckg
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Cover Model Makeover - Unexpected Results (Article)

It looks like the women in this video knew that their photos would be heavily photoshopped and were probably shown the before and after shots at the same time. The photoshop work on a portrait really should not be all that noticeable if the shot is just for a portrait, otherwise the subject understandably would have the reactions that these women had.
I don't think that the subject should be shown the before nor told that the image was heavily photoshopped. If it is then that noticeable to the subject then the photoshop work is overdone.

Feb 22, 2014 at 06:31 PM

friscoron
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Cover Model Makeover - Unexpected Results (Article)

I'm surprised you find it difficult to dial back the settings on Portrait Pro. I'm very conservative on the facial structure settings, and I find it easy to use the master slider and put it at 0, or something close to that. I use Portrait Pro mainly on my dancer headshots because they need to appear so pristine, and Portrait Pro is very good at achieving that look.

Feb 22, 2014 at 08:16 PM

Andre Labonte
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Cover Model Makeover - Unexpected Results (Article)

chuckg wrote:
It looks like the women in this video knew that their photos would be heavily photoshopped and were probably shown the before and after shots at the same time. The photoshop work on a portrait really should not be all that noticeable if the shot is just for a portrait, otherwise the subject understandably would have the reactions that these women had.
I don't think that the subject should be shown the before nor told that the image was heavily photoshopped. If it is then that noticeable to the subject then the photoshop work is overdone.

***********************
Really? So it's better to lie to them ... yup, that sounds like the glamor industry to me; one lie after another.

Feb 22, 2014 at 09:44 PM

Andre Labonte
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Cover Model Makeover - Unexpected Results (Article)

dmacmillan wrote:
This was on Upworthy:

http://www.upworthy.com/4-ladies-get-the-cover-model-makeover-of-their-dreams-and-then-hate-the-results-11113?c=ufb2

I think it is thought provoking. I put it here instead of post processing because it's about more than post processing.

I recently bought Portrait Pro, mainly out of curiosity. I've run some photos through and after tweaking the settings, I thought the results were a subtle improvement and flattering to the subject. I've run other photos through and it dramatically changed the look of the person, making an almost cartoon of the original. On those photos, I couldn't seem to dial back the settings enough.

The program has algorithms that define the "perfect" facial geometry and alters...Show more →

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Kudos to you for posting this. I think it's very thought provoking and I intend to show it to my children and wife tomorrow. It will be good for them.

The sign of truly good photographer is one that can bring the beauty out in anyone just as they are.

Feb 22, 2014 at 09:46 PM

Jonathan Brady
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Cover Model Makeover - Unexpected Results (Article)

It's "talent" like the person who photoshopped these images that account for MILLIONS and MILLIONS of women worldwide who are dissatisfied with how they look. Images retouched to this extent (which is the same extent + or - that images in magazines often receive) are literally digital lies. And what's most disturbing is that the images on the cover are often sold alongside articles on how to lose weight, look sexier, be more confident, etc. It's an absolutely HORRIFIC way to treat women (and also men as well - just to a lesser extent) in our society.
I find my wife to be ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS but she has abysmal self-confidence when it comes to how she looks because of a couple of decades worth of magazine covers staring her in the face. Now that we have an 18 month old daughter, you can bet your *** I'll be raising her to know that those images aren't depictions of how women REALLY look and it's videos like this that will go a long way in helping me reinforce that point.
Thanks to the OP. And to all those who post process away reality in favor of digital lies... you should be ashamed of yourselves. I hope that your daughters don't grow up to have eating disorders, self-image issues, lack confidence, and live a life full of depression because of lies like these.

Feb 22, 2014 at 11:50 PM

dmacmillan
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Cover Model Makeover - Unexpected Results (Article)

friscoron wrote:
I'm surprised you find it difficult to dial back the settings on Portrait Pro. I'm very conservative on the facial structure settings, and I find it easy to use the master slider and put it at 0, or something close to that. I use Portrait Pro mainly on my dancer headshots because they need to appear so pristine, and Portrait Pro is very good at achieving that look.
Thanks Ron. I'm sure it's operator error on my part. I did dial the master slider way down on the images in question. I just couldn't find a sweet spot between no change and subtle change. I'll keep practicing.

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful responses. I think it all boils down to judicious use of the tools available.

Feb 24, 2014 at 09:16 AM


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