Image ethics, Image editing - Research Paper Example

?IMAGE ETHICS Since the introduction of Photoshop and other image editing software, continued improvement of this software has continuously improved the presentation of edited images. Nowadays there is no media that is not utilizing this program, mostly in order to discern consumers and multiply sales. The deception commonly occurs because of the increased idolization and desire for individuals to possess pictures of celebrities. Personal pictures of celebrities might be difficult to access, but the editing technology can be utilized to gain an image of a much adored celebrity. While this technology remains commonly utilized among many media, ethical questions continue to arise regarding the application of the technology. Despite the numerous prevailing ethical issues surrounding application of the technology, laws seeking to prevent the utilization of the technology continue to become continuously silenced. This continues to be contributed by the numerous advantages of the technology upon the industry. A comparison between the contributions of the technology upon photography and the existing negativity of the technology indicates the technology might not be eliminated. Introduction Image editing remains a technology that has been applied since the introduction of photography itself. Digital editing of these images however remains a relatively modern technology as the world continues to become digital . The practice of manipulating images to meet consumer requirements continues to be extensively utilized by many individuals, with manipulated images becoming extremely difficult to detect (Lister, 57). Periodical publications continue to utilize the image editing technology in enhancing the appearance of images contained within their publications. The element of human ideal situations becomes incorporated within these publications as they seek to appeal the consumer population consequently increasing their sales(Knah, 93). The introduction of photo shop image editing software made the process simple and man Since individuals began engaging in photo editing activities. Photo-shopping, has become a commonly accepted English verb referring to the process of creating manipulated digital images. This activity has become a pastime occupation for many individuals as it continues to gain popularity in the modern world. In fact, the practice, though unaccepted by the creators of Photoshop software, has almost become accepted as a modern form of visual art. Importance of image editing Image editing is performed for different reasons, which remain fundamentally focused on enhancing satisfaction to the owners of the image. Within the print media, editing of images is commonly performed as a method for improvement of image quality (Anders and Benson, 117). Some photos taken by journalists are taken within extremely difficult conditions and might be distorted. The need to present clear pictures necessitates utilization of editing to enhance the quality. Through editing, blurred images can be clarified to give them definite outlines, consequently improving image clarity (Lister, 75). The editing technology remains fundamental in making essential conversions of images to digital forms. This conversion has enabled quick and easy transferring of images between different locations, while retaining original image aspects and appearance. The digital era continues to bring numerous aspects of modern imagery through the utilization of technological methods in production of images. The application of image editing technology remains essential in ensuring easy acquisition of images as required. The technology has provided the press with a quick and fast method for transferring images from different locations (Anders and Benson, 145). Through image editing publication, costs become extremely reduced, while making publication quick. This has continuously enabled larger and quick circulation of periodic publications especially newspapers. The presence of editing software has significantly contributed to reduced costs of manipulating and editing of images in the visuals arts industry (Kirk et al., 762). The photo editing technology has enabled conversion of images into digital forms. Early painting and other relic pieces of art can be efficiently converted into digital formats while preserving the fundamental aspects of the image. This application has at times enhanced the appearance and clarity of images (Kirk et al., 769). Preservation of historical information through photos has also become significantly enhanced through editing. Historical works of art created by famous painters, like Leonardo da Vinci, have been edited and reproduced afresh using modern technology. Similarly, individuals can perfectly utilize this technology and reproduce ageing family photos, consequently aiding in preservation of historical information. Ethics and photo editing Despite the numerous advantages of utilizing image editing technology, individuals have utilized the imaging technology in producing undesired images. Image editing has produced numerous ethical concerns about the reliability of the images people see everywhere (Anders and Benson, 98). Photography ethics require individuals to present accurate information through images. The element of editing, therefore, becomes unethical as the produced images become significantly unreal. Ideal human situations become represented as real through the application of image editing technology, which also provides a quality enhancement feature into the edited images. Photo editing results in presentation of false images, consequently faulting the ethical aspect of photography (Eigo, 59). The reasons behind manipulation of photos do not form a justification for the ethical elements involved in performing manipulation of photos. While individuals might require having their photos edited and produced in a digital form, which complies with modern technology, reproduction of such photos creates a surmountable ethical challenge (Eigo, 47). Editing of any work of art requires permission and authority from the original owners of the work. Failure to gain such permission constitutes unethical practices (Knah, 2). In the modern world, many edited images lack the authority of the owners. Photographs of celebrities have continuously been manipulated through editing to enable them become relevant to the target audience. Relic paintings from the medieval times have been subjected to similar editing, resulting in fundamental changes within the initial intended message by the artist. Majority of the photos that might require modernization, due to technological advancements, remain a fundamental element of cultural history. While the preservation of the history might be essential, changing the image to fit current technology might nullify the essence of presenting the picture in the native form. Another ethical element resulting from editing remains attack on individuals, where edited photos contain images of living individuals. Editing images of individuals has been continuously utilized in defaming famous individuals. With technological advancements making it extremely difficult to detect manipulation of images, most digital photos continue to be manipulated to create an increased appeal to the target customers(Anders and Benson, 102). Newspapers and many entertainment magazines continue to utilize edited images to create increased appeal within the market. As individuals become convinced that the particular magazine contains best photos, magazine sales continue to increase. Through deception to the customers, these magazines gain significant popularity as photos and other images remain a fundamental selling tool within the entertainment industry. Unethical editing processes have resulted in individuals being defamed though presentation of personal edited photos on a public photo gallery (Anders and Benson, 141). People need God People have continuously been faced with the increased desire to have pictures of idols which they worship or even celebrities they admire. Many individuals continue to relish opportunities to come close to these idols and experience a photo session with their idols. The photos present an element of preserving historical information, and Photoshop has continuously presented people with opportunities for such imaginable situations. Collection of photos has become increasingly simplified through the application of Photoshop technology. The idea of having individuals’ photos containing much admired celebrities remains appealing to many individuals, consequently increasing the utilization of the Photoshop technology of image editing. The editing technology remains a common practice as individuals continue to struggle with the idea of getting personalized photos of celebrities and other personal idols. Individuals have continuously utilized this technology to satisfy their desires of getting close to different celebrities(Gray, 298). Many individuals desire to become famous through having personal attachment with other celebrities. This results in the individuals engaging in photo-shopping to deceive others of their knowledge and relationship to famous individuals. Though this deception eliminates truth and realism of images, it creates the much desired personal satisfaction with images (Martin, 51). Editing is commonly utilized in publishing industry as a way of ensuring clarity of displayed works. Magazines and other periodic publication must undergo editing to enhance clarity of the images as well as other aspects of images contained within the publications (Kirk et al., 765). Illustrations contained within many publications are continuously subjected to digital editing to enhance their clarity and appeal to the target consumers. The element of digital photo editing remains a significant aiding element in increasing the sales of numerous publications. This has enabled numerous publications to gain wide market following presentation of extremely clear pictures. Future of photo editing While many ethical problems continue to be attached to the element of editing photos, the technology remains something that might not end soon. Despite the numerous attempts by different governments to condemn presentation of edited photos to the public, manipulation of images remains an ultra-modern technology that must be utilized in photography. As many industries continued to become digital, photography must follow the digitalization of numerous aspects of the industry. The aspect of editing through software, like Photoshop, remains the only available option for converting photographs into digital forms. Some supernatural aspects of the human nature must be represented through imagery, making the technology essential component for making such ideologies. As technology advances, important historical photographs must be converted into digital form for storage. Strict regulation should be introduced, aimed at providing protection to ensure the technology remains utilized in the required manner. Banning the process remains a surmountable challenge as the technology could be utilized in conversion of images into a digital form (Kirk et al., 768). The technology has, however, been continuously utilized to present ideal human situation as real; consequently changing the essence for utilizing the technology (Martin, 49) The continued improper utilization of the technology of photo editing should however be discouraged to mitigate the negativity created upon this critical technology. The professional within the industry must adhere to working ethics and maintain professionalism to ensure continued acceptance of the technology, consequently eliminating the currently existing negativity (Eigo, 97). This would ensure increased acceptance of the technology as we move into the future. The role of photo editing software in photography cannot be ignored; hence, the technology cannot become eliminated from utilization within the industry. Conclusion The introduction of digital photo editing technology has significantly transformed the image presentation across the world. Edited photos have continued to gain popularity as they reduce the work required to acquire genuine images. The element of editing continues to present increased appeal to many individuals as the technology becomes easily available. As individuals continue to idolize and create god like images, editing continues to gain popularity as it enables people to present imaginary pictures of real people(Gray, 296). The technology has continuously been utilized by numerous publications to present deceptive images, aiding in creating appeal among the consumers, consequently increasing the sales. Though the technology has been fundamental in preservation of historical painting and improvement of image clarity, ethical issues surrounding application of the technology present a challenge to the technology(Knah, 67). Despite the ethical issues facing the technology, the role of the technology in image presentation makes the technology an essential component of imagery. Works cited Anders, Carol and Benson, Thomas. Documentary Dillemas: Fredrick Wiseman's Titicut Follies. Ill: Southern Illinois University Press. Print. Eigo, Francis A. Ethical Dilemmas in the New Millennium. Philadelphia: Villanova University Press, 2000. Print. Gray, Herman. “The Politics of Representation in Network Television.” Channeling Blackness: Studies on Television and Race in America. Ed. Darnell M. Hunt. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. 282–305. Print. Kirk, David et al. “Understanding Photowork.” SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. Ed. ACM. 2006. 761–770. Print. Knah, Luise. Ethical Evaluation of Manipulated Photos in News. Stockholm: GRIN Verlag, 2011. Print. Lister, Martin. The Photographic Image in Digital Culture. London: Routledge, 1995. Print.  Read More