Obama's swimsuit photo in Washingtonian
Lots of folks are bothered by President Obama's hunkish photo on the cover of this month's Washingtonian magazine. Let's leave aside the Hot or Not? issue -- which seems to be the focus of many comments on the magazine's Capital Comments blog. There's a larger issue: Whether the magazine doctored the photo itself.
Susan Moeller, an associate professor at the University of Maryland's journalism school, noted in a column on Huffington Post that the POTUS' swimsuit had changed color from the original photo. And she questioned whether his skin color had also been lightened -- noting that Time magazine had once done the reverse to O.J. Simpson.
Washingtonian has acknowledged altering the swimsuit from black to red, to create more contrast with the background. It said Obama's skin tone was not changed but might seem different because of the glossy paper.
I'd be horrified if The Baltimore Sun ever made such changes in a photo, and I consider the Time alteration outrageous (the cover was recalled). But the Washingtonian cover is an inevitable step in the entertainment media's scramble for hot-selling issues. For years, in pursuit of the perfect cover shoot, fashion magazines have airbrushed movie stars and other entertainers to within an inch of their lives. (And that pales in comparison to the anorexia-inducing pressures that models endure.) Washingtonian is following that route, sacrificing truth for beauty. And just as I would never take a Vogue or Vanity Fair shot of Demi Moore as a representation of what she actually looks like, I'll hold Washingtonian to that same low standard.
While she always preferred The Hardy Boys to Nancy Drew, 
Comments
Compare the other photos on the cover to their original color. Then you'll know if it was the printing process or retouching.
Posted by: Jack Henry | April 23, 2009 1:26 PM
...and I bet they air-brushed the photo, too, in a very sensitive area to preserve his dignity. It is a sad day when this type of photograph sells copy.
Posted by: John | April 23, 2009 1:54 PM
Who cares whether the photo was doctored or not. The point is the president should never have posed for this tasteless photo. This is not dignified for the president of the country.
What 's next? His wife in a bikini?
Posted by: PC | April 23, 2009 9:13 PM
I coudlnt agree more John---since when is this acceptable? This is shameful he is the PRESIDENT! They need to at least respect the office
Posted by: Rob | April 23, 2009 9:54 PM
If you actually read and followed the huffington post link you would see that it's a paparazzi photo from when he was on vacation. Get a Grip
Posted by: Reggie | April 24, 2009 12:15 AM
PC......where is the evidence that this is a POSED picture?
Posted by: luthersomd | April 24, 2009 5:38 AM
Yes, he is the President, and so far, the sky hasn't fallen because of a simple photo. So what? If had that body, I would show it off, whether I was President of the US or a sales associate at the Gap.
Posted by: Douglas | April 24, 2009 7:01 AM
Reggie,
Don't you know? If you're the President, you must stay completely, totally clothed, with only hands and face showing AT ALL TIMES.....even when swimming and bathing ;)
Posted by: Carey | April 24, 2009 7:06 AM
Look John, he didn't pose, he was in Hawaii when the photo was taken, and to you Rob the Republican, what's shameful about it. Let's see you look that good in ANY outfit. And I'm sure Michelle could rock a bikini if she chose to and look wonderful. If Bush was HOT, instead of DUMB, I'm sure journalist would have photographed him too, but he's NOT. Get a life and read the article. And let me know where the handbook on how the President is to be dressed is. I'd like to read it.
Posted by: Jacque | April 24, 2009 9:32 AM
I think that picture was taken when he was on holiday in Hawaii at Christmas time. He probably didn't even know it was taken.
LBJ didn't have any scruples about baring his flabby fish belly white. gut to the world after his gall bladder operation.
Posted by: Kitkat | April 24, 2009 9:44 AM
i just read a blog article on Sarah Palin's "Swimsuit Issue" cover shot on Newsweek. The idea was that showing her in a swimsuit was making a major hit to her campaign for 2012. However, as you can see, Obama's willingness to show some skin for the camera doesn't seem to be hurting his popularity any. Cheers.
Posted by: Swimwear Sells | January 31, 2010 12:27 PM