Question

Photographers often use computer software to edit photos so that they don’t quite represent the truth. Sometimes they simply improve lighting or color, while other times, they make it look as though a fake event happened!

Choose one of the two photos. Do you think it was manipulated by the photographer? Write a paragraph supporting your opinion with evidence from the image.

Answer 1

Answer: I’m not sure which image to pick so I’ll give an explanation on both

Explanation: I think that the photographer for photograph number one was probably manipulating with the image, how? Well they probably used some sort of technology like a photo editing app to cut out the biker and paste it over the guy laying down to have a great effect.

Photograph number two was definitely manipulated or maybe it wasn’t because just think about it maybe the photographer put their shoe in fire but I can prove that is false because looking in to the details of the image it’s like there’s another shoe sort of conjoined with it.

Answer 2

Assessing whether a photograph has been manipulated involves evaluating the image for inconsistencies and understanding that every photograph is a selective representation of reality, shaped by the photographer's choices. Not all alterations are deceptive; some serve artistic purposes, while others may misrepresent reality.

Step-by-step explanation:

Assessing Photographic Manipulation

Photographers indeed use various techniques to edit photos, sometimes for aesthetic improvements such as lighting or color adjustments, or in more extreme cases, to create a visual representation of a scene that did not occur. The intricate balance between a photograph's authenticity and creative alteration has been a matter of discussion since the medium's inception. For instance, the photo The Terminal by Alfred Stieglitz in 1892 showcases art photography, a style which embraced the photographer’s influence on the final image. Decisions on placement, timing, and technology are all part of the photographer's toolkit, shaping the point of view and the narrative of the captured moment. These creative choices mean a photograph represents not just a scene, but a photographer's subjective reality. Nonetheless, it's essential to discern between alterations that serve artistic or communicative purposes and manipulations that could potentially misrepresent reality or convey false events.

Diagnosing whether an image has been doctored involves scrutinizing several elements. The consistency of lighting, the presence of anachronistic content, odd shadows, or improper reflections can all suggest manipulation. In contrast, understanding the context of photography – the fact that a photo omits everything outside the frame, and creates a specific narrative through the photographer's lens – allows us to accept that every photo is, to an extent, a selective representation of reality.

Without seeing the specific photographs in question, we can apply these principles generally to examine any image critically, considering the validity of its representation and the intent behind its creation. This approach helps viewers make informed assessments of the visual media they consume and becomes especially important in an era where digital alteration is both accessible and widespread.