Image manipulation is generally referred as a technique that can create different effects in an image. Many times you have seen celebrities screaming that the image has been manipulated. With this technique, one can change the face, or change the body, add effects, etc. It all depends on how good of an editor you are. Once you have excelled in image manipulation, you can also expect a good professional future as this technique is widely used by the professionals and is very resourceful.
Image manipulation is done so finely that it is almost impossible to find flaws with a naked eye. But yes, a scientific forensic report can always bring forward the flaws. As we were saying that image manipulation can give you a good future, it is imperative you excel in it and take your skills to the top. One thing that you must know is that manipulation of photos is done when pixels are changed. You will notice that there is a wide difference between the original image and the forged image. But then again, it is very difficult to determine the image with a naked eye.
Editors in the world follow different kinds of image manipulation techniques. It is usually done by setting the contrast right, changing the color mode, resizing or removal of the unwanted objects, resizing the images, etc. A very common example of image manipulation is the wallpapers that you see in your computers or mobile phones. You must have noted that the images created as wallpapers are extremely neat and touched-up. All of that is done with the help of photo manipulation techniques. Adding right color or effect to an image is all what it takes to make an image look more ecstatic.
If you are leaning towards a future in image editing then you must note that your career will never flourish if you do not excel in photo manipulation techniques.