14 DAY TRIAL // If you needed yet another cold shower when it comes to just how distorted the current media is, Lady Gaga is about to elucidate on the matter big time. The controversial singer sat down for a photo shoot for Versace and the raw photos have somehow leaked online, causing quite a stir.
The NY Daily News is claiming that the photographers responsible shoot are now scrambling to find out who caused the leak, fearing that no one will want to work with them after this scandal. Mert Alas and Marcus Pigot have already sent out warning letters in search of the perpetrator.
In the pre-touched photos, Gaga can be seen promoting Versace products such as handbags. A comparison with the final shot shows extensive alterations to her face, which has dark circles and pale complexion.
Looking further down, we see that the bruises on her legs have also been removed and the skin has been smoothed out. Color tones changes, and just a little bit of slimming down can be noticed after further examination of the photo.
The difference between pre and post-Photoshop is startling, and it just goes to show the degree of post-production that typically goes into such a campaign. It's no wonder people consider themselves ugly when compared to these ads.
It also becomes evident from the photos that most of Gaga's make-up has been added digitally, which is a good way to cut costs in that department. It should certainly be cheaper to add the final make-up in a photo editing software than to have 2 or 3 make-up experts present on set working for several hours.
While most people won't be shocked at the stark difference, since we've come to accept that marketing has fundamentally changed our perception on beauty, it's still fascinating to see the difference between the reality and the idealized version of the “products” being sold.
Seeing as how Gaga is very protective of her image and was even reported of having photos of her taken during public events called for approval after making modification on them, this is going to be quite a blow for her image.
Sadly for the singer, this isn't the first time that her photos are leaked in the press. There was a previous scandal in 2012, when the photos she'd done for the cover of Vogue were revealed to show her again very differently from the final photos.
At the time, the singer brushed the controversy aside by tweeting, “Ahhh! The Vogue Express dropped off the September issue yesterday morning. I’m a Cover Girl, and its fab! Can’t wait to show u tonight!”
Let's see if she'll be a sport about it this time around too.
Lady Gaga para Versace. pic.twitter.com/KPmMyzypwS
— 08.11.14 (@JoseLMonster) April 15, 2014