Digital Practitioners

In the photography industry, it has become extremely common practice that photoshop is used in order to create and to manipulate images, scenes and subjects to the whims and desires of the practitioner doing so.
By using photoshopping techniques the photographer/image constructor (dependant on the amount of the image actually made by the photographer and their input in the image production) can obtain the exact desired look and effect even if made of imagination and dreams. With the ability of being able to conjure extravagant non-existent scenes, the photographer and/or image editor has the ability to modify and remake beauty, which has the ability to put doubt and self belief in that of the viewer, with the possibility of the viewer leading into self disbelief and image issues. As the ability is available to us, to create and modify beauty, this means that these techniques can not only be use in the fashion industry but also in the marketing and fitness industry in order to sell supplements making false 'magical' claims.

Photoshop can also be used in a more positive and faithfully artistic style aswell, there are many photographers that use obvious photoshopping techniques in order to compile amazing and intriqate imagery, some examples of these are:

Anthony Crossfield

A photography 'freak of nature' Crossfield's eccentric ideas and techniques are beyond compare, using multiple exposures of a scene, Crossfields changes his subjects and slightly alters their positioning in comparison to the previous subject. With this technique, Crossfield then merges the 2 images, the background seamlessly fits in on both as they are the same, while combining the 2 subjects, creating a deformed, disfigured, 'freak', really adding a strong confusing and intriguing image.

Crossfield also works with various other styles, all of which following the common trend of the disfiguring of the human form.

Crossfield also created various portraits in which he takes various shots of the subject, connecting all of which and creating the effect of 'unravelling' the subject, laying out the skin and features up a flat surface. Crossfields work would in no shape or form be possible, with such a powerful effect it it wasn't for the sake of photoshop and the digital age, none of Crossfields work would be possible or even the idea would be unimaginable and impossible. 

August Bradley

Like Dave Hill's work, August uses the same principles, transforming an interesting scene, with powerful expertise and post production techniques August turns everyone of her images into a masterpiece beyond compare. August portrays almost fashion photography style images, but rather more than that, adding a conceptual art twist upon every image.

August's work that is for the desired niche of fashion photography, even still incorporates a strong feel of conceptual art, making the image not just revolve around the purpose of the image being for commercial use but also as a work of art, giving the image 2 outlets allowing for the appreciation and respect of such a wide audience. 

In this image by August, a 16th Century styled Gentleman sits in contemplation, knife in hand, above a rat. This image leads to great confusion as to its purpose, the man and the attire he is 'styling' could lead to the belief of the images use being for fashion or commercial purposes, but then the artistry behind the image, the shadowy, contrasting, dark and dank scene in which could be the cell holding this noble prisoner, contemplating his life while contemplating the life of the rat. August's images all hold similar trends, that in being, contrasting, strong colours, harsh scenes but smooth, sleek appearances upheld by all of the subjects she uses.