Image modification via computer programs

Computers have revolutionised the way we treat imagery, art, and text. With the ability to edit and modify images and text the computer has created a virtual art room and editing suite in the homes and offices of millions.

Wholesale modifications

The ability to use scanners and printers with a computer has changed the way we regard work and images. In the past an image was created, and then if the user wanted to modify it in some way, they would have to physically modify the original, or a recreated copy of the original. This raises some issues; firstly, the original image would then be changed and so could not be recovered or reverted to its original form. Secondly, if a copy was to be used, in order to keep an original copy intact in case of an error, then there would be considerable time and perseverance needed to recreate the original closely, and this method could not be guaranteed to create an accurate representation.

With the invention of the scanner, specifically large format scanners, users were now able to copy the original image exactly and modify it as they wish before printing out the newly created image, with no damage to the original.

This approach, using large format scanners, opened a whole new world of opportunities to the user. As the copy was exact, you could recreate your work or text thousands of times as an exact image copy, so being able to mass produce an image for various purposes.

Ability to modify freely

Once the image has be scanned onto the computer’s memory, the user is then able to modify it in any way they wish, using image manipulation programs. This would allow the user to change the contrast, brightness, hue, or colour levels in an image. However this is simply scratching the surface of modifications that can be made.

With image editing programs, one is able to layer images on top of one another; giving the impression that one image was part of another from the outset. Additionally, images can be resized, allowing reprints to be made in a more compact sizing. As well as this, image editing allows for errors in the original image to be modified, such as noise reduction, where areas of “noise” or dirt on an image are removed.

As previously mentioned, colours and hues can be changed with an editing program, but you may not know that certain sections of an image can be edited in this manner, in the sense that they can be selected and changed, without modifying the rest of the image. This can lead to striking images, such as a fully black and white landscape, where the flowers in the field are the only thing in full colour.