The Art of Aspiration: Unveiling the Secrets Behind Photographic Models’ Look

Have you ever wondered why photographic models often appear so artificial and never quite as they do in real life? This intriguing phenomenon is rooted in the complex world of fashion photography, digital retouching, and the artistic ethos of aspirational marketing. Let's dive into the fascinating details that shape the perception of these models.

Why Models Appear Artificial

Photographic models are not as they seem in real life. The images we see in magazines, advertisements, and social media have been meticulously crafted to present an idealized form that is far from their true nature. Much of this has to do with the use of digital enhancements and the controlled environment of a photo shoot. Here’s a deeper look:

Digital Enhancements and Real Life Disparity

When we see models in print ads or on television, they often look drastically different from their appearance in real life. This is because the images are heavily edited with the help of tools like photoshop. These tools allow models to appear flawless, with no imperfections, blemishes, or untidy hair. In reality, their faces may bear signs of fatigue or imperfection, a stark contrast to the polished looks we see in media.

The Role of Photoshop and Beauty Standards

Photoshop filters, fillers, botox, and even surgical enhancements play a crucial role in creating the desired look. These techniques, combined with the carefully chosen angles and lighting, help to create an image that is far from the natural appearance. Even when these models step out of the studio, they often undergo extensive cosmetic procedures to maintain their idealized looks. As a result, it’s not uncommon for people to be surprised when they see a model in person or right after waking up from a deep sleep, as these are the times when their most genuine appearance is revealed.

Aspirational Marketing and Luxury Brands

The aspirational marketing provided by luxury brands and high-end products is intentionally crafted to showcase beauty standards that are challenging to achieve on one’s own. These standards are designed to sell a lifestyle rather than just a product. Even if a person is wealthy, these brands appeal to those in the middle class who aspire to emulate the lifestyles they see in advertising. The goal is not to sell the wealth of the model but to present a desirable standard of living that the client wishes to attain.

Contrast Between Advertising and Journalism

It’s important to note that fashion and advertising are vastly different from photojournalism. Attempting to emulate a journalistic approach in advertising can lead to disastrous results. Even in TV commercials that appear to be in a realistic setting, everything is carefully scripted and typically takes numerous “takes” to achieve the desired result. In photojournalism, while appearances can be staged, the goal is to capture genuine moments, as opposed to crafting them.

The Model’s Role and Their Paradox

Photographic models are not just selling themselves; they are representing a product or brand. Their primary goal is to adapt to the look that the client needs to achieve their marketing goals. Keeping their real-life look private adds an element of intrigue and anonymity, allowing them to blend into regular life when needed.

Physical and Facial Adaptations

When models go into a pose, the musculature in their faces can substantially change their appearance. Makeup artists use these distinctive features to transform the model’s look, making them appear unlike the person who walked into the studio. The control over lighting in a photo shoot also allows for manipulations that would be impossible in real life. Finally, in the hands of a skillful retoucher, a model’s photograph can transform into a face that never truly existed in the studio itself. Recent advancements in AI are even creating model faces from a vast database of existing images, pushing the boundaries of what’s considered artificial in the context of fashion photography.

Understanding these elements provides a clearer picture of why photographic models often appear so different from their real lives. From the meticulous retouching done in post-production to the carefully orchestrated poses and lighting, the art of fashion photography is one of careful manipulation and transformation.