From left to right, photographs show the five levels of retouching in a system by Hany Farid of Dartmouth. The effect, from slight to drastic, may discourage retouching. “Models, for example, might well say, 'I don't want to be a 5. I want to be a 1,' ” he said. from NYTimes.com

A new software tool being designed by Dr. Hany Farid and Ph.D. student, Eric Kee, both of Dartmouth, will rate how much retouching has been done to photographs, 1 being the least 5 being the most.

Software to Rate How Drastically Photos Are Retouched – NYTimes.com by Steve Lohr

Having worked in a retouching house and with images everyday, I understand both the good and bad of retouching.  I have seen it do some amazing things and have also seen it transform a model (or parts of a model) to the point of misrepresentation. This is, and will be an, on going debate in our field, how much is too much?  With our desire for perfection, especially when it comes to selling a product, it is easy to see why photo retouching is pushed so far.  However, it is not always the retouchers fault.  It may be an over zealous art director or the model them-self pushing the image beyond what is natural.  A little clean up, just to put someone in their best light, never hurts.  But when it is a major make over, it bring in to question the validity of photography as a whole.  This new software will help keep it honest and allow for the non-seasoned viewer to know how ‘re-worked’ images may be.

Well it has happened!  With lots of photography love, Theron Humphery has begun his 365 day journey, titled This Wild Idea, around our great country to meet and tell the story of “everyday people.”  He is currently on day 3.  Take the time to look at his photographs and listen to the stories  here.  Be sure to drop a pin on the map and help him change his route to come to your town!  I hope to see Theron and his dog, Maddie, roll in to Durham, NC later this summer!  (Hint Hint, Theron if you are reading this! Safe travels!)

Anthony Goicolea’s early-career survey at the NCMA covers a decade of world building | Visual Art | Independent Weekly.

This is one of my favorite photographers.  I have yet to see the show but plan to take one of my summer classes for a field trip.

I hope everyone is having/ had/ planning/ a great summer break.  Remember, you are out of classes but that does not mean you are no longer a photographer! Get out there and photo some things you may not have tried before or something you have been thinking/ dreaming about.  It will help keep your tech skills fresh and your creative eyes open.  So while it is ok to sleep in, don’t sleep through break!

Happy and safe summer break!

Dropbox is a free service (you only need to create and account) that you can use to share files.  It allows you to upload your files (images or what have you) to the internet and invite other to view them.  If you choose to download the program to your computer (which I recommend) Dropbox will place a folder in your side bar.  In this folders you have permission to view, ie ones you have created and ones others have shared with you.  You can then drag and drop files in to any of these folders.  Dropbox will automatically sync your new shared files with others whom you have invited to view that folder.  Watch the helpful tutorial to get started.