Warning: This Photo May Be hazardous To Your Health...

arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/09/

The above article discusses a possible French law to label Photoshopped images with a warning. I am assuming it would not apply to basic cropping, color and contrast adjustments, and only to major alterations (like reshaping someone's figure, removing their skin blemishes, etc).

It is an idea that will meet a lot of resistance from advertising agencies, and possibly some photographers. When trying to sell the public on your "perfect" product, you don't want a disclaimer getting in the way. Just as the alcohol and tobacco companies initially lobbied against printed warnings for their products, there will surely be resistance in France - and here, if the US government ever attempts something similar.

But, why would a good photographer care about this warning? If it DID pass, companies would seek out better photogs who could capture a great image in camera. If the photog can get it perfect without the need to do a lot of Photoshop magic, the warning could be avoided. This means bigger budgets for good photographers and more demand for perfect photos. This would actually be a win for those of us who don't rely on heavy post production!

Now, I'm not saying I am for a law like this. I'm just pointing out both sides. I wouldn't want some silly "reality warning" pasted on any of my photos. I think people should be smart enough to live life without such a stupid disclaimer. I'm just saying that such a law could actually benefit our industry in the long run - or, at least those of us who know how to shoot well.