This Photo is Lying to You

Can you trust what you see? How do you know what is real?

Haggart points out that manipulation of photographs has existed for a very long time. Famous photographers controlled the look of their photos during the development process (i.e. modifying the light, dark, shadows, cropping, etc.).

Haggart quotes photographer McLean, who correctly points out that some photographers "capture" images; while others "create" them.

For years, Hollywood studios created an "image" of movie stars, using black & white photography to idealize actors and actresses. What do these photographs have in common?

 

Vivien Leigh

Cary Grant

Errol Flynn

Elizabeth Taylor

 "To photoshop" is now a verb in the English language and whole websites are devoted to identifying photoshopped images.

But, as the author points out, we all are guilty of manipulating photographs. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Have you ever asked family or friends to pose for a picture?

2. Have you ever cut a person out of a picture?