When photos are shot with a digital camera, the next step involves editing the photograph. While photo manipulation initially involved small makeovers in an image, the scope of photo manipulation has grown manifold in the recent times. This is primarily due to the increase in online marketing and e-commerce services. Every website requires high-quality photos so that they can grab the customer’s attention and compel them to become regular visitors to their website. Photo manipulation techniques are applied to an image till it is ready for use as per the client’s requirements. From making color adjustments, to changing backgrounds or adding shadows, different manipulation techniques can be applied to an image.
Adobe Photoshop- A complete photo editing arsenal
Since there are various tools and techniques in Abode Photoshop, expert designers consider it a complete package for editing photos. Various photo manipulation techniques like clipping path, photo masking, color correction, shadow addition, restoration and retouching, and can be applied using Photoshop. So widespread is the use of this software that in spite of Adobe’s attempts to prevent the generalization of its company trademark, the term Photoshopped is used colloquially with image editing software.
Types of digital image manipulation
Technical retouching
This technique is used for manipulating images for restoring or enhancing them. This involves adjustment of tones, color, contrasts, white balance, adjusting the sharpness, removing unwanted elements from the image like noise, and masking and editing the skin flaws.
Creative retouching
This advanced form of image manipulation is used for making clean and precise images for ads and commercials. Creative retouching involves manipulating photos for beauty, fashion, and even advertisements. Image composting is a discipline of creative retouching where the digital artist combines numerous photos to create a single shot. With the help of 3D computer graphics, more elements and backgrounds can be added to an image. This image manipulation technique has grown popular owing to the fact that the requirements of the clients are manifold, and it’s not always possible to shoot a product/model in different locations, owing to costs and other factors. Hence this method of manipulating images is used instead of conventional forms of photography.
Use of photo manipulation in glamour photography
The glamour industry makes extensive use of photo manipulation techniques. This move is sometimes looked upon critically by the government, companies, viewers and sometimes celebs. Photo manipulation is used to tone and improve the complexion, body, hair and other physical attributes of models to make them look even more attractive. Makeup or physical accessories like earrings can be easily added to the model’s body even after the picture is shot.
Wrap-up
Photo manipulations can mask imperfections in a photo to make it look more presentable. While companies like Dove and Aerie has discontinued the use of image manipulation processes, this technique will still be used. Graphic designers and creative experts, who perform image manipulation, assert this technique as being a medium of discoveries new artistic avenues.
