Recent Jennifer Aniston Article- As a Photographer, should I feel guilty?

Working on set a couple weeks ago with musician, Jenn Connor.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/for-the-record_us_57855586e4b03fc3ee4e626f

I read the above article this morning by Jennifer Aniston. It is an important read and well written.  I remember seeing the cover of a latest ‘bad’ gossip magazine last week, claiming that she is pregnant.  This was written just because they managed to capture a photo of her very small stomach on a beach. No, she is not pregnant (nor did I think she was, due to the crap magazine that was making the claims).  I remember seeing the cover and feeling rather disgusted that any publication can make up these lies. It was wrong on so many levels from this trash publication. Not to mention, most are getting tired constantly reading claims that Jennifer Aniston may be pregnant, on a weekly basis, so I cannot imagine how she feels being the subject matter.

But then I thought, ‘Man, I am in a business promoting this false sense of what true beauty is.’  I am constantly instigating the public’s perception of this false body perfection using photoshop, lighting manipulation and crews of people trying to create these beautiful illusions. I do not shoot paparazzi photography, but I do spend many hours per week on Lightroom and Photoshop, editing photographs for clients. This involves eliminating wrinkles and body bulges, while ‘toning down’ other natural imperfections.   Should I feel guilty?

I do buy People Magazine (which actually does fact check all of its stories before print, unlike most ‘celebrity news’ magazines. I have worked for People, and they are not considered one of the celebrity trash magazines). But yes, it is still a celebrity focused publication that I do have a subscription to and enjoy reading for their celebrity ‘news’ and many worldly stories.

Should I not be buying it? Should I not be editing my photographs so much?  Am I part of this problem in society that is promoting insecurities in women and a false illusion of body perfection?

I then reconsider my moment of guilt and tell myself ‘no’, I cannot speak for other photographers, but using Photoshop is only one aspect of my job.  Image editing is part of creating a solid end result for my clients. In this day and age, it is an important element of a Photographer’s job process. A magazine and advertisement needs their images to appear strong and striking. Photography must be instantly visually attractive. Photoshop, and all the other design and editing programs out there, helps to achieve this.

A lightly, naturally edited, photo of pianist/composer Stewart Goodyear. It still looks very much like him despite my small changes

For me, it is not about promoting perfection or an ideal beauty (because it doesn’t exist), but about elevating amazing aspects in every subject I photograph. Manipulating images in Photoshop is about enhancing the appealing attributes that already exist in the subjects and people I photograph.  My skill sets are merely strengthening a subject’s qualities and confidence, and it is a great feeling when I can do that for someone.  For me, photography is hardly about promoting a false image of perfection or trying to ‘fool’ the public. For these reasons, I don’t feel guilty that I do what I do.

If I was a paparazzi photographer, I may not be able to make the above claims. I am guessing those who are hiding behind the bushes of celebrities’ driveways would have valid arguments (ex. It is a job, I’m making a living, someone else will be doing it if I don’t).  In all fairness, paparazzi photographers are not the ones writing the articles or enhancing body fat on celebs.

Deeper issues obviously are centered around this entire topic.

What is your view on Jennifer’s article?  Many will state, ‘It comes with the business and she should stop complaining’. Honestly, I’m glad she wrote it. She will receive scrutiny no matter what she writes. But even if just a few young girls or people learn something and consider her claims, then it was worth her writing the article.

I would love to hear both photographers’ and editors’ views on this topic.