On My Mind - I Filter My Photos. So What?

My name is Amy Odell, and I manipulate my Instagram posts. I have made sunsets pinker, my complexion clearer and oceans bluer. I have removed people, objects and unsightly driveways. And, I nearly always adjust images of my cat so she resembles something more than a mass of iron filings with eyes.

- Amy Odell

Despite much of the world having retouching technology in their pockets, we’re quick to attack social media users “caught” altering their photos. Beyoncé went viral for apparently retouching her legs in Instagram photos. And travel blogger Amelia Liana was blasted for what looks like superimposed shots of herself at fabulous places (the Taj Mahal, London Bridge). This isn’t your typical Facetuning, granted, but if these claims are true, what’s the difference? Whether you’re removing a sign or making your cat look more shapely, you’re creating an illusion.