Montage: Activity 3

Montage: Activity 3

Question:

• As editors exercise their ever-increasing power over information control, what limits would you impose on them as to the extent to which they can manipulate the photographic image? 
• Devise a series of guidelines that will control the release of images that have been constructed for media use so that the public is aware as to the extent of the manipulation. 

In a world with technology that has the capability to realistically alter images, certain guidelines have to be set up to limit the amount of fallacy and lies in the image:

1. No alteration of the photo as to edit people or places to create an event that did not happen, or to be untrue to the series of events which did occur. For example, this event didn't happen; however someone may be confused and believe the presidents actually did this to support that organizations message.

http://www.livelife.pl/moda/felieton-moda/beneton-w-morzu-kontrowersji/

2. The only thing that should be altered is light exposure, colors (to an extent), or other elements to make the photo more appealing or clear. I edited this image I took of my dog only to make it more appealing, the only aspect I changed was the exposure and contrast.

3. The only people who have the authority to edit and publicly share images should be authorized credible news sources or websites. This image was produced by a very non credible certified source, and may confuse viewers.

http://www.india.com/topic/Photoshopped-Celebrities.html

4. The public should know or be warned to inspect the credibility of each image they see, or be more selective on what they believe to be true. The same example as number three can be used.

5. All images released to the public by a large and influential news source should be inspected for credibility by a third party organization. Although there is no organization that currently does this, there should be one to regulate the authenticity of photos.

These guidelines may seem strict, but in a world where political tensions and relationships are as fragile as they are, great care has to be taken to ensure the  peace is sustained, and no one is offended or lied to.