Even though photographers often use the term airbrushing to indicate that a photo has been retouched, the process is now down digitally. Famous celebrities, who may be going through, adult acne treatments, want their photos to look perfect. But, before digital technology, airbrushing was the only way to retouch the photo.

The first airbrush was patented by Francis Stanley in 1876 (he and his twin brother also invented the Stanley Steamer). The device was improved by Abner Peeler and included a hand-operated compressor. A modern airbrush was demonstrated at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, invented by Charles Burdick.

In early photography, the device was used to touch up celebrities faces, but it was also used to eliminate people from photographs. Joseph Stalin often had photographs airbrushed to change history, eliminate people who had become his enemies from photographs that had been taken with him.

While the term airbrushing is still used, another term “photoshopping”, often takes its place.