Photo editing: What's good for celebrity models is vaguely acceptable for Cork's old gaol

Following on from our assignment to take photos of various places of historical interest in Cork city a few weeks back, this week's task was to edit some of the photos taken and post the before and after shots online. Adobe Photoshop is the most well-known photo editor, building a dominant position in the market in the twenty years it has been available. Indeed, much like referring to a vacuum cleaner by calling it a "hoover", or a cola product by calling it a "coke", we speak of "photoshopping" when we discuss an edited photograph, regardless of the editing suite that was actually used.

Editing software has been extensively used in the last two decades, from hiding blemishes and pasty faces, enhancing the attractiveness of models to adding hair to bald men and beards to those who are clean-shaven. But aside from making people look better, photo editing can be used to enhance buildings or landscapes, especially handy when trying to entice tourists to visit your country.

The program I chose to use is "Picnik", an online editor which doesn't require registration or downloading to work. With an easy interface, and a number of uncomplicated enhancing features, Picnik is ideal for someone without the time or the need to invest in more advanced suite. Its simple method of uploading pictures from your hard drive, editing to your taste and effortless saving allows even the most technologically-challenged computer user to make their photos come to life. I've edited a few of the photos I took on my visit to the old city gaol to show the differences created by using this editing package.

Old city gaol entrance, before editing

I was fortunate enough to have been able to take my pictures on a dry, sunny day, so there was no worries about having to delete any clouds or rain that might otherwise spoil the photograph. It was a dry, sunny day in late October, though, so while there is plenty of light, the pictures look quite cool, reflecting the low temperatures on the day, and possibly putting off anyone who might like to visit Ireland, but doesn't fancy cold weather.

Old city gaol entrance, after editing

Simply by messing around with the brightness, contrast and exposure settings, this is the result I came up with. The added warmth of the edited image hides the fact that the shot was taken on a cold autumn afternoon in southern Ireland. Instead, one might think this was taken on a hot summer's day, with blazing sunshine trying its best to split rocks. The warmth and brightness might well trick an unsuspecting viewer into thinking that this couldn't possibly be an old Irish gaol, but a building one might find in a more tropical location, like the Mediterranean.

Gaol wall, after editing

Gaol wall, before editing

The picture on the left is of an internal prison wall, with three of the barred windows, you can just make out three Romanesque windows on the far right of the photo, which would have allowed light into adjoining cells. Again, it's evident that there was plenty of light on what was a fine day, but the cool temperature is clearly visible as well. On the right, the edited shot again displays warmer temperature, with contrast altered to emphasise the shadows on the wall, caused by neighbouring trees.

The final shot I've chosen to post is of the stocks placed outside the entrance of the main building. Again, there is plenty of light, but it's obvious that this shot was not taken in the height of summer. The picture looks cool, with the grass looking limp and lifeless. If anything, a viewer might think this was a wintry day that was sunny by fluke. Also, the stocks itself looks worn, unused for decades, with faded and unvarnished wood. The "after" shot livens up a tired image, with the grass looking healthier thanks to the temperature adjustment, and the stocks looking rejuvenated after altering the contrast setting.




It's clear to see why Discover Ireland and Tourism Ireland would make use of photo editing software. In what is a highly competitive market for a limited number of tourists, Irish tourism agencies need to emphasise Ireland's natural beauty to entice visitors. Just like celebrities appearing in tabloid magazines, the odd enhancement here and there, courtesy of editing software, might exaggerate, but can be wonderfully effective.