Good

The "The Black Square", a reference to the censor’s block, can be used quite successfully when tastefully applied to a photo of suitable color scheme. Identity Obscuring Rating 9/10.


The "Draw In Mask", particularly when applied to an old photograph of questionable aesthetic and/or erotic potential could look quite interesting. Identity Obscuring Rating 3/10.


"Pixelation" can be successful, depending on the pixel size. In some cases it is better to pixelate the whole head, if not the entire photo. In this example the pixelation is too small. Larger pixelation would render and Identity Obscuring Rating 8/10, but this one gets a 0/10


The "Bridal Floral Interface" involves pasting flora over the face. Care must be taken not to make the subject resemble an alien pig-like creature. Identity Obscuring Rating 9/10.


Another example. An autumn leaf. 9/10


The "Rampant Dark Cloud" extends the blurring technique very close to the boundaries of the absurd. Take care. Identity Obscuring Rating 10/10.


Use Photoshop’s stained glass filter to create the "Spiderman" effect. Very churchy. Identity Obscuring Rating 8/10.


A variation of standard blurring, the "Gaussian Blur", can be confusing for the visually illiterate. Use sparingly. Identity Obscuring Rating 5/10.


Fresco painting does wonders for binational couples wanting to protect their identity. Identity Obscuring Rating 6/10.

Best

Some of the best ways of protecting your identity involve something other other than plain ole blurring, some identity protectionists take the identity-obscuration into their own hands, using a variety of techniques, several of which are explored below.


Just turn your back to the camera. Identity Obscuring rating 10/10


The "Costume Switch" involves removing articles of clothing from one part of the body and applying them to the head. Identity Obscuring Rating 10/10.


The "Drink Manouevre". Identity Obscuring Rating 9/10.


"Turning the Tables", clever. Identity Obscuring Rating 7/10.


Old Fashioned Disguise works! Identity Obscuring Rating 9/10.


Over-bright backgrounds can make photo obscuring a breeze. Just make sure you darken the face even more, otherwise the exposure can be adjusted and then...bam...identity instantly revealed. Used correctly: Identity Obscuring Rating 10/10.

Do NOT use the following techniques

Some photo obscuring techniques may seem intriguing to use, but they are lousy at actual disguising. Although it may not be obvious, these techniques preserve too much detail and the same software that was used to create the effect can be used to undo the effect. They include (Pinch, soft blur, sphere, and twirl effects. Repeat - Do NOT use)

The Art of Obscuring Your Photograph

If You Feel The Need

Binational Couples - USA Style

This page was originally meant to be light-hearted, but it's not. It's a serious situation. People asked us if they could blur their photos and still submit their story. The seriousness and reality of the situation is that many Americans are scared to reveal their face or the faces of their family. It's a ridiculous sickening reality and it's sad. Those that argue against immigration rights should remember that one half of every same-sex binational couple is an American life which could be torn apart because their other "half" has no protections under our current immigration policy.

Our goal is to collect as many "faces" and stories as possible, but we all have our reasons for possibly needing to protect our identity. Let's face it, our stories are sensitive ones that involve being careful in our attempt to be heard or we could face repercussions. That's no good excuse for not submitting your story. UAFA has no chance of passing, unless more people hear our stories and know we are real people. Thus, the art of obscuring.

Marco and I finally just left America. They can't hurt us anymore. We left and made our home elsewhere. We realize that many of you don't have the same choice. We still want to hear from you.

Some disguising techniques are much better than others. And some can easily be reversed. I'm a Photoshop professional, and some of my best friends are illegal immigrants, so take it from me, that all photo obscuring techniques are not the same. While, we prefer to see the real you, here are a few techniques that work and a few that aren't so good and some that don't work at all. The biggest tip we can offer is this: Be creative, but like with everything else....don't over do it. Once you feel your identity is safely guarded...send us your story. Most of you won't feel the need to obscure your photo. There's nothing stopping you...we want to hear from you.