Photoshop Face Merge

Here is a photoshop piece I created called a montage. I made this by merging two photos, of me and Maarja in my class. I had to add both images as two separate layers, I then scaled the images to the same size and matched the position of the features, starting with the eyes. I found this easier when I reduced the opacity of the top image so I could see both layers simultaneously. I then edited the levels of each layer to help match the skin tone, creating a smooth transition between features. I then applied a mask to the top layer and gently erased it, allowing the layer beneath to become visible. I did this to the eyes and mouth.

• What issues does this raise technically?
Technically, This wasn't the most challenging piece. This was due to my planning before the shoot began. I chose to take both photos in the same environment, this really helped me while editing the piece because the light source and background was the same for both images, this made it easier to match skin tones. I learned about how to use masks in photoshop and how to scale layers individually to create a realistic montage piece.

• What issues does this raise philosophically & ethically?
In terms of ethics, this piece is unlikely to raise any hysteria, as the intent of the piece is purely comical and for entertainment. The ethical problems may begin to arise when images of people are enhanced in photoshop to an unrealistic beauty standard. The widespread use of these images can drive people to extreme lengths to achieve these looks that they do not realise are purely a product of software. This is something we need to consider when working in Photoshop.

• What do you need to consider when planning a photo shoot of this type?
Before shooting we need to consider the lighting conditions of the environments we will capture the 2 images in. By shooting in the same lighting conditions it is easier to match the tones of the skin when using Photoshop