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Article Title:	Airbrushing Away the Self-Esteem of Young Girls
Author of reported comment:	Steve Tomlin
Comment Date:	20:53 on Aug 16 2010
Comment:	I'm a Christian with a keen interest in portrait photography. I always enhance raw photos to make the subject look their best. This is supporting the subject in producing a first-rate version of their self. There is, however, a point when the person is no longer looking the best they themselves can - they begin not to be recognisable as their real self - and this is a step too far. As an analogy, using cosmetics to subtly enhance one's appearance isn't a form of deceit but a form of authentic expression of one's best self. And by cosmetics I mean anything from having a good wash and combing one’s hair as much as using make up. I wouldn't expect anyone having done this to wear a badge declaring the fact lest they be accused of impersonation of someone more naturally attractive. The test for me in editing photos is to ask myself whether in a certain light and pose the person could genuinely appear as attractively as I’ve depicted them in the real world. If it’s an impossibility then I’ve retouched too much. If it is a real possibility then I’ve done them a real service. Because to a limited extent, I’ve depicted them as God sees them.

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