Self Image: Blog 2

Objective: Find images in the media, which have been used to represent attractive and unattractive aspects of the human face. Examine and record carefully the photographic techniques used to accentuate both these qualities, drawing up a list that relates to the images you have found.

List the physical characteristics that we have come to admire in both male and female faces and write 100 words in response to the following questions.

1. Do you believe that media images or public opinions are responsible for the characteristics of beauty becoming universal stereotypes?

2. Do you believe people admiring media images of glamorous models can do any harm?

Answer: 

 The right hand image is one that some people would deem to be unfit for a 'model' type portrait. Some could say that the subjects face is too rounded or that her hair is not flattering or many other things. The photographer utilized a shallow depth of field and a rule of thirds guideline in an effort to make the image appear more flattering. The sunlight highlights her hair and creates an interesting focal point of light. The ranges of contrast are very stark and bland, making the subject's face stand out that much more.

The image, according to today's standards, would comply with what we perceive as beauty. Her hair is brushed to a near perfection, no blemishes or obstructions on her face. The features of her face are sharp and angled, making it much more appealing than the first image. Again, the photographer used a shallow depth of field to highlight that the subject is the girl's face. They also used a selective focus and blurred out some of the areas around her face to emphasis the focus on her eyes, nose and lips.


The physical characteristics that the general public has come to admire has changed from year to year. Everything is centered around body parts and body proportions; the thinness of one's waist or the perfect curl of one's hair. It has all become very hectic and frankly hard to handle.

1. I do believe that the media images as well as public opinions hold a heavy hand of influence for the characteristics of beauty becoming universal stereotypes. Most people base beauty on how much make-up is lathered on one's face, or the brand of clothes that is stamped on the back of your tag. It relies heavily on the curve of your waist or for girls, the size of your chest and rear. Long gone of the days where personality was the key element to someone's 'beauty' or not. The images of today's superstars and modes such as Selena Gomez or other star-icons, pushes young girls to be an image of 'perfection'. With smooth skin and perfect curves; where the only thing that matters is the tiny number that signifies your waist size. Such things have become the modern stereotype, suggesting that anyone who does not fit this tightly rigged standards are inadequate or not enough.

2. Admiring media images of glamorous models can be harmful both emotionally and physically, especially for adolescent girls. Teenagers in general are easily victim to social pressures but when the attention shifts to fashion icons, there are high things at stake than ego and the name brand on your clothes. There is a standard to be as close to perfection as possible; that perfection that has been set by glamour models. People may force themselves to  loose an unhealthy amount of weight or physically alter their appearances in order to be closer to the 'desired' image. It can also make people lower levels of self-esteem and feel more ridged about their appearance. Without these icons that are constantly thrown in our faces, who knows what the world would be like today. A little more accepting of others maybe?