Photography Manipulation

Of all the pictures available to choose from, I ended up picking the very last photograph of Clement Hurd, the author of the children’s classic, Goodnight Moon. It was ironic for me to see this, because just two days ago, I saw this very picture on a TV game show I was watching with my parents. Goodnight Moon was one of my favorite books as a kid, so when the question was asked about which author’s photo had been digitally altered on his book’s dust jacket, I immediately eliminated Hurd as one of the four possibilities. But sure enough, I was proven wrong. I rushed to my room where I knew the book would be somewhere and when found, was shocked to see Hurd there, a smoking cigarette in his hand. (I have the older version.) The picture was originally taken, probably a candid by a non-professional photographer, and used to represent Hurd as the author who wrote and illustrated the famous story that has preceded perhaps millions of children’s bedtimes. After the picture comes a short passage on Hurd’s life and accomplishments- a typical “About the Author” addition to most books. For its 60th anniversary, the original publisher of Goodnight Moon reprinted the book in mass produce but also digitally removed the cigarette in Hurd’s hand. The fact that Hurd was holding a cigarette the first time around never attracted any controversy, most likely because, at the time, smoking was a completely acceptable habit. But in today’s times, many anti-smoking advocates are determined to wipe out such images and allusions, especially in this case of a classic children’s book, to prevent any encouragement to actually start smoking. I completely understand why the publishing company felt the need, and perhaps, the responsibility to remove the cigarette from Hurd’s hand. I honestly can’t remember seeing another dust jacket where the author on it was smoking, especially one on a children’s book. Even though it is not a major focal point of the book, the publisher, I’m sure, still doesn’t want to provide a possible interest in young people to start smoking. On the other hand, I also think this new, altered form of the photograph is not a true representation of the author it portrays. Now the picture depicts Hurd standing with his hand raised in the air, giving the idea that he might be reaching out for something. In my opinion, I believe the publishing company should have to ask Hurd for permission to alter his picture, but this could not be done because Hurd has since passed away. His son was then asked for permission and originally balked. He said later that he felt pressured by the publishing company to allow the alteration and only gave away the photograph’s rights half-heartedly. In a way, it makes me sad that the publishing company is so worried about the public’s reaction to such a photo, and rightfully so, that it felt the need to manipulate the photograph. To me, it only depicts a cheerfully smiling man on the back cover of an amazing bedtime story- I wouldn’t even notice the cigarette. Overall, I have mixed feelings about the changes made to the picture and don’t really know if it did more harm than good or more good than harm. I do understand, however, the both viewpoints on the issue.