Photoshop < Actual Photos

I know it seems like I'm ragging on Chrysler a lot, and part of me feels as if it's unfair. The companies been through hard times and is trying to restructure itself as best it can. But things like this bug me, due to their half-assed attempt.


The 2011 Jeep Compass, I have to say, is not fugly. The did a remarkable job of curing the fugly it once suffered from with little more than a new nose. Bravo!

However, did you really have to photoshop some of the first official images of the new car SUV? This is the publics first polished view of the car, and I'm sure those not graphically aware will think there's something slightly odd about those monochromatic reflections and flat looking colour. The cincher? Whoever did it painted right over the three holes below the 7 slot grille.


One has to ask - couldn't they just take pics of the Compass painted the right colour? Or at least keep it the colour it used to be. Or, you know, hire someone to photoshop it correctly. And as a graphic artist it pains me to say I'd rather see it one of the two previous options - however talented you are, things look most real when they're actually real. For me it taints their image when it wouldn't cost much more to do things right for a vehicles launch (or at least plan in advance and making and bring a red Compass with you).

*EDIT - looks like there's a whole series of them, some work better than others. I'm guessing they only had a grey Compass at the time of shooting. Below you can see a similar situation with the 3 slots, and this time the Compass badge of the door has a blue tint, like it wasn't cropped out. I admit convincing colour changes like this are difficult, but those areas look a bit sloppy.