Unit 5: Digital Editing and Computer Retouching

Duration: 2 hours

Identification and use of technology and software for manipulation of video and still images
Examples of the use of this technology in the worlds of fashion and news reporting
Benefits and liabilities of the use of this technology
The impact of this technology on the credibility of photojournalism, and on an individual’s ability to access authentic information

After completing this unit, teachers will be able to:

Analyze manipulated images and the messages and values conveyed
Examine the use of image-manipulation technology in photojournalism and fashion photography
Use image-manipulation software
Identify manipulated images and assess their impact on audiences
Analyze ethical aspects of image manipulation

Comment on the statements and quotations below. Discuss the implications of these statements for media and information literacy

‘Computers have made retouching and the complete re-creation of photos so fast and efficient that photo technicians have now joined video and recording engineers in the fraternity of modern manipulators, each of them capable of reassembling bits of reality for any effect at all.’ (Marshall Blonsky)
‘By decade’s end, we will look back at 1992 and wonder how a video of police beating a citizen could move Los Angeles to riot. The age of camcorder innocence will evaporate as teenage morphers routinely manipulate the most prosaic of images into vivid, convincing fictions. Clever image hacks of advertisements and news footage will become a high art form. We will no longer trust our eyes when observing videomediated reality, and will seek out external indicators of reliability.’ (www.saffo.com/essays/texthotnewmedium.php)
The manipulation of images and videos has serious implications for the accuracy of information and is unacceptable in news media. Manipulated images should not be used in news stories or any legal situations to convey evidence
‘I have the same freedom to work with photographic images that illustrators have had for centuries. I am no longer hindered by the laws of physics and reality.’ (Photographer and computer retoucher Barry Blackman)

Research retouching– and video–manipulation technology that is currently available. Describe the kinds of changes this technology makes possible
Based on your research, identify and describe examples where this technology has been used in the worlds of fashion and news reporting. Explore the controversy surrounding the use of this technology for people working in the fashion and news industries
Discuss to what extent knowledge of this technology affects the way people respond to pictures in fashion editorials and photojournalism. Describe the benefits and liabilities of this technology for the people and events being portrayed, and for audiences viewing these images
If possible, access available software for image manipulation. Scan a photograph and experiment with the software. Describe the kinds of changes to the photograph that are possible. Explain the effect these changes have on the impact or meaning of the photograph

ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Media & Information Literacy For Teachers