Ethical Question

[tonygphoto]

Is it ethical or emotionally correct to photoshop a person with a facal deformity to make them look symmetrical?

I took photos of this beautiful little girl. I didn't notice her Cleft lip until I was processing her photos. You could tell she had Bilateral complete lip and palate surgery. I corrected it and the photo looks great but I don't know how they will feel about it.
Anyone have any experience with this type situation?

[SCTRWD]

I'm not sure about ethical issue in your case, but this is my first step to make a face beautiful. Symmetry makes wonders sometimes! Weeks of fruitless retouch can be saved simply by making face features symmetrical. You get totally new impression, sometimes so subtle a viewer can't tell. The models themselves can't tell why they look so good!

In your case why don't you just ask the girl and see what she's saying?

[hawkeye]

I think it would be best to ask her parents what they would like. Just be sure to present the offer in diplomatic fashion. Most people aren't adverse to having some touch-ups done on a photo.

As far as ethical, it isn't as if you are deceiving anyone.

[tonygphoto]

I just called a family member that didn't have a problem with it. In fact they loved the idea. It's hard to tell how people will react to something like this.

[Ivan Skoro]

If the Cleft lip isn't too noticeable, I think it would be OK to retouch it, but I would talk with the parents first, or with the girl if she's old enough.

[tonygphoto]

I think it would be best to ask her parents what they would like. Just be sure to present the offer in diplomatic fashion. Most people aren't adverse to having some touch-ups done on a photo.

As far as ethical, it isn't as if you are deceiving anyone.

I was just going to do it and not tell them anything.

I just got as call back from her grandmother. She wants to see the photo before I do any more of them.