Fashion photography

To what degree should an image be manipulated to go into a fashion magazine?

To me, this all depends on what is manipulated with in the picture. As it is for fashion and clothing, there is not reason that the model herself should be manipulated, unless it is just the lighting and colours which are being photshopped. This is as it gives pointless false imagery to the viewers, who may feel ashamed as they don't look like the model. This can bring on a number of psychological disorders into society, for women might turn anorexic and feel they aren't good or pretty enough to be accepted. Saying that, this also gives men false expectations of what women should look like.

However, I feel that models should be modified to some extent at times, so as to advertise the clothing as best they can, for this is the reason they were hired in the first place. This may include making the waist line slightly smaller, or the legs slightly longer.
the clothing could also be modified to the model aswell, say if there is any bagginess where it shouldnt be, it could be photoshopped to look how the designer meant it to be.


Is there a clash between the creative and commercial side of fashion photography?

The creative style of photography shows what the photographer wanted the viewer to see. It may show different scenery or emotions in the shot, which can be very captivatng and beautiful. However, The commercial side doesnt want that, and is focused souly on pictures that show what the magazine intendes to advertise. It is becuase of this that the comercial side of photogaphy always over rules the creative side, and only shows what would benefit the magezine.