Victoria’s Secret Revealed – Unretouched vs. Retouched Photos

A few months back Victoria’s Secret accidentally released a dozen unretouched photos from a shoot with supermodel Doutzen Kroes. We shared those images in a post on Fstoppers and it caught the attention of many of you. The retouched versions of those same photos are now out. Let’s compare the results! 

The biggest difference between most of the photos is the pop in colors and brightness from the original dull RAW files which is expected. But besides that it is interesting to see what has changed in post production including the fine retouching of bulging skin around the armpit area, expression lines in the face, or side skin folds as Kroes pops her hips to one side. The differences are typically subtle, I mean let’s face it, Kroes is a beautiful supermodel with next to perfect features but it is interesting to study the pictures and see what exactly was changed and why.

One thing that particularly caught my eye was how often they would remove the bra straps from the swimsuits or at times even change the entire color. Interested to know why they would do that if in fact they were looking for the best representation of the product in the photos. That is unless they decided to manufacture the swimsuits that way after the shoot. Check out the photos and description of changes provided by Jezebel and let us know what you think in the comments.

Changing the colors of garments in post-production (1) is one of the most common image edits. The photograph’s colors were brightened in general (2) and lighting errors were corrected. Part of Kroes’ back below her armpit has also been removed (3), as have the expression lines on her face (4). The hemline of the swimsuit bottoms has also been redrawn (5).

Again, expression lines have been removed (1), and skin folds created by the exaggerated position of Kroes’ hip have been smoothed (2) along with part of her back below her armpit (3). Aside from the overall color (4), the biggest change of all between the unretouched and retouched images is the removal of her swimsuit strap (5). That’s one way to get the cleavage of a standard swimsuit top in a bandeau: Photoshop.

Notice that this is the same swimsuit seen in our first slide? The color has been changed yet again in post-production. Here expression lines have also been smoothed (1), the folds of skin around the side of Kroes’ back are gone (2), and the faint armpit stubble visible in the unretouched image is gone (3). The hem of the swimsuit has again been adjusted in post-production so that it falls straight across her lap (5)

Here is another strap removal (1). Kroes’ expression lines have again been erased (2).

The natural folds of Kroes’ armpit were erased (1), along with her expression lines (2).

Multiple changes have been made to Kroes’ body along her left side. Folds of skin have been removed (1), along with part of her back visible below the armpit (2), and the area around her armpit where her pectoral muscle was previously visible has been extensively smoothed and modified (3). The nude underwear originally visible underneath the swimsuit bottoms has also been edited out (4).

A bruise on Kroes’ right hip has been removed (1) and her abdominal muscles have had some of their tone retouched away (2).

Wrinkles in the swimsuit have been magically smoothed out (1) and Kroes’ expression lines were — once again — taken away (2).

Kroes’ abs are looking a little smoother and less defined in the Photoshopped image than they are in the original on the left (1). And once again, the swimsuit top has been magically turned into a bandeau (2). Kroes’ expression lines are gone (3).

Notice how they straightened out the horizon line (1). There were also changes made to her right armpit.

Gone are Kroes’ expression lines (1), some of the definition to her abs (2), and the hair that spilled out behind her shoulders (3). Also gone are the fingers of her left hand (4).

Folds of skin along Kroes’ side have been smoothed out (1), along with veins in the crook of her arm (2) and the area around her armpit (3). Shadows have been deleted from her abs, making them look less toned (4). The nude underwear is gone (5).

Another total garment color change (1).

Note that this is the same swimsuit as seen previously, except that here the color has been altered. Kroes’ expression lines have also been smoothed (1), along with the skin around her armpit (2) and the veins in crook of her arm (3).

Note that this is the third shot using that same tankini from our first slide. In this image, wrinkles in the swimsuit top have been smoothed (1) and the lay of the hem of the swimsuit bottoms has been changed (2). Kroes’ expression lines are gone (3) and her armpit has been smoothed out and any hint of body hair removed (4).

[Via Jezebel]