Why Do Movies Often Feature Horribly Photoshopped Family Images?

by

In many films that focus on families, you often encounter family photos that appear to have been heavily manipulated with image editing software. These images are usually presented as symbols of family unity, but instead they come off as poorly executed collages that feel jarring and unnatural (not intended for comedic effect). It’s common in these types of movies to see multiple actors combined to create the illusion that they spent time together outside of the film’s context. While watching Easy A, I noticed one such obvious instance, thanks to a photo featuring Amanda Bynes. This got me wondering: Why does this occur so frequently in films?

It turns out, there are several reasons weird Photoshop moments have become a sign of the times.

Initially, let me clarify that the Amanda Bynes portrayal in this image is highly questionable. They used a real photo of her from an event and manipulated it into a misleading scene by inserting her family members (including Fred Armisen in a tuxedo, out of context) from the movie. This isn’t an original observation I’m making; others have noticed this as well.

“Sometimes It’s Just Kind Of A Nightmare

Often, set designer Seth Rutledge has shared insights on the chaos that can occur on movie and TV sets, causing seemingly haphazard photos – it’s good to know I’m not alone in my curiosity about this topic. In an interview with The Guardian, Rutledge explained that one of the challenges they face is quickly setting up a family photo prop when a scene requires it at the last minute, which can lead to such disorganized images.

At times, it can feel like a real headache, as the scripts are penned down without any clear understanding of what’s available or not.

A convenient approach might involve inviting key actors portraying “family” or “friends” characters to appear on set and take a quick snapshot. Having all the cast members present at once, especially when the image is meant for the present day, could be an effective solution for a movie or TV production. This is also the reason some films have more convincing family portraits than others.

In certain instances, capturing a fresh photo isn’t feasible. For example, scenes might require images of children who are much younger engaging in specific activities, such as hugging their parents, or friends from earlier times at events like camp. The scenarios can be endless. In these situations, it takes real financial resources to produce quality, authentic photos. Otherwise, you’re left with a makeshift image cobbled together using software like Photoshop by someone on set.

In my perspective as a film critic, one factor that contributes to the unnatural appearance of certain photos in films is the questionable purpose behind them. Why are these images manipulated beyond recognition through Photoshop?

Sometimes The Photos Are Just Supposed To Be A Part Of The Background

As a movie enthusiast, I can say that nothing beats the impact of a photo skillfully woven into a storyline, just like in one episode of Criminal Minds. The outcome is often breathtaking or at least not painfully awkward. However, it’s a different story when these photos are hastily assembled, especially during filmmaking on a tight budget, such as the $8 million that went into Easy A. Yet, despite the modest investment, this movie managed to rake in an impressive $75 million at the box office.

In most cases, family photos like these aren’t intended to take center stage on-screen; they serve as backdrops or props, often visible yet unimportant details in the background. For instance, in the movie Easy A, that was their role. To clarify, they weren’t meant to be scrutinized by viewers.

By the second period one day, Olive begins to grow closer to the unkind girl Marianne Bryant. However, things take a turn when Marianne’s boyfriend alleges that he contracted chlamydia from Olive. The scene transitions to show Marianne’s mother on the phone, discussing the situation in the living room filled with overly-perfect family photos. With our modern TV screens, these pictures are now quite large and conspicuously fake-looking.

In Rutledge’s words, these images are often created as a subtle addition to a particular scene. Originally, they weren’t intended for fans to observe, but with the advent of high-definition TVs, such details tend to stand out more than before.

Mostly, I work on creating sets and backdrops for my Photoshop images featuring people. Frequently, the art department requests assistance in producing pictures of background elements that aren’t typically seen on screen, such as this character’s off-camera children. For instance, they might ask, “Could you please create an image showing the unseen kids of this actor?

At times, a photograph can unexpectedly become the focus due to changes in the scene’s arrangement on set, such as moving it to another part of the room. Initially, the photo might be intended for the background, but a director or actor may pick it up while speaking, bringing attention to it, or the photographer might move the photograph closer to where the camera is positioned.

Despite some questionable photos causing controversy, it seems like an issue that’s increasingly becoming significant, as more people encounter it online. However, he stresses that everyone is making their best efforts, even when the edited images fall short of expectations. Therefore, when you come across heavily manipulated photos, consider showing a bit of understanding towards those involved.

By the way, projects not strictly focused on family photo dilemmas can encounter their unique on-set challenges too, as vividly demonstrated by the infamous coffee cup in Game of Thrones, or the mustache controversy surrounding Henry Cavill.

Read More

2025-04-09 16:38