In a bold move that’s making waves worldwide, Getty Images has announced a new policy that bans the submission of images depicting models whose bodies have been digitally altered to appear thinner or larger. This decision comes on the heels of a new French law aimed at tackling eating disorders among young people, which mandates that all media outlets disclose any retouching done to models’ bodies.
The law, set to take effect on October 1, has prompted Getty to inform its contributors that they must steer clear of any creative content that alters the natural body shapes of models. This applies not only to print media but also to online content, posters, campaigns, and catalogs. Although the law is specific to France, the global reach of Getty means that photographers from around the world will need to comply.
As a spokesperson for Getty told the press, this policy aligns with a broader trend towards more realistic and diverse representations of bodies in media. “We’ve been passionate about how people are represented and have communicated this vision to our photographers,” she stated. In fact, many photographers have already been shifting away from the heavily airbrushed images of the past, responding to a growing demand for authenticity.
While many on social media applauded this progressive step, some critics—mostly men—expressed frustration, claiming it limits artistic expression. Yes, Adam, because preserving unrealistic beauty standards is so much more important than fostering body positivity. But the supportive voices on Twitter quickly overshadowed the naysayers, highlighting how damaging idealized images can be for women and girls.
Getty’s new guidelines allow for other types of retouching, like changes to hair color or skin imperfections, but the focus remains firmly on promoting healthier body images. For anyone interested in further exploring the topic of home insemination or pregnancy, check out this excellent resource: Kindbody. And if you’re curious about self insemination techniques, you can find more information on the intracervical insemination blog as well.
In summary, Getty’s ban on retouched images of models emphasizes a growing trend towards body positivity and authenticity, encouraging a shift in how we perceive beauty in media.