The Playboy centerfold showing Swedish model Lena Forsen looking back at the photographer, cropped from the shoulders up, is an unlikely candidate for one of the most recreated images of all time.
Shortly after publication in the magazine’s November 1972 issue, the photo was digitized by University of California assistant professor Alexander Sawchuk using a scanner designed for news organizations. Sawchuk and his engineering colleagues needed new images to test their processing algorithms. Tired of the TV test images, they turned to a double-page spread and defended their choice by noting that it featured faces and a combination of light and dark colors. Fortunately, due to scanner limitations, only the top five inches were scanned, and Forsen’s bare shoulders were the only hint of the nature of the original photo.
From its inception, the photograph became a standard reference image, and in the more than 50 years since, it has been used many times to demonstrate advances in image compression technology, test new hardware and software, and illustrate image editing techniques. it was done.
But now Lena may not have long to live. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a major global trade association, has issued a notice to its members warning against the continued use of photographs in academic papers.
“Starting April 1, you will no longer be able to include images of Lena in new manuscript submissions,” wrote Terry Benzel, vice president of the IEEE Computer Society’s Technology and Conference Division. Benzel cited a motion passed by the organization’s publications committee, which states, “IEEE Diversity Statement and supporting policies, such as the IEEE Code of Ethics, ensure that everyone It speaks to IEEE’s commitment to promoting a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable culture. In line with this culture, and in honor of the wishes of the image’s subject, Lena Folsen, IEEE will now include “Lena Images.” We do not accept submitted papers. ”
IEEE is not the first organization to declare time on photography. In 2018, the scientific journal Nature issued its own edict, banning images from appearing in all of its research journals. “We have decided to adopt this policy because we believe the history of the Lena statue is inconsistent with broader efforts to encourage women to pursue higher education in science and engineering.”Publisher not signed stated in an editorial.
Many reasons have been cited for the durability of this image, including its “dynamic range,” the centrality of the human face, the fine detail in Lena’s hair, and the feathers in the hat she wears. However, back in 1996, the outgoing editor-in-chief of an IEEE journal, explaining why no action had been taken against the photo, said, “Lena’s image is a photograph of an attractive woman.” Ta. He added: [mostly male] The image processing research community gravitated toward images it found attractive. ”
One organization that could have immediately stopped the spread of Lena’s image, but never did, was Playboy itself. In 1992, the journal sent a letter to a journal threatening action, but did not press the issue. A few years later, the company changed its mind. “This is a phenomenon, so we decided we should capitalize on it,” Playboy’s vice president of new media said in 1997.
Forsen himself has suggested that the photo should be scrapped. In 2019, she said of the photo, “She’s really proud.” She recreated the shot for Wired magazine, called her the “patron saint of JPEGs.” However, later that year, Documentary “Lost Lena” He has spearheaded the latest efforts to advance the development of computer science. “I retired from modeling a long time ago,” Forsen said at the time of the release. “It’s time for me to retire from the tech industry, too. By making simple changes today, you can create lasting change for tomorrow. Be prepared to lose me.”
