Visual Literacy: Examining Historical Images for Evidence of Manipulation

[Frank W. Baker]

The New York Times ran a news story this past week questioning Robert Capa's iconic photograph "The Falling Soldier." Now, the Times follows that up with "Faked Photographs- Look, and Then Look Again." The gist of this piece is "Sorting icons of truth from icons of propaganda is often a thorny business that can take decades to resolve, and that’s if it gets resolved." Be sure to see the companion slide show: "A Brief History of Photo Fakery." If this topic is of interest to you, be sure to see my website IS SEEING BELIEVING for additional readings, images from popular culture and more.

[James Valastro]

This is an excellent quick look at photo journalism and fake photos. I would encourage everyone to see this 13 slide- slideshow.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/08/23/weekinreview/20090823_F...



A few days ago I was reading the NY Times and it had an article and a photo about women in combat roles in our current wars. The photo of a women, in complete combat uniform, with a rifle, with an intense look on her face running past the photographer, on top of what I assume is a building or courtyard. Behind her are a few other (male I assume) solders sitting with their backs against the low, concrete wall... not looking like they are hiding from attack, but rather resting, waiting, and watching this women holding her rifle, with a look like she is in a combat situation, finger near the trigger (literally) as she sprints past. One of the "soldiers" in the background has photo camera in "his" lap. Hmmmmm.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/us/16women.html

NOW

Does anyone remember this photograph of the private contractor Blackwater security services in Iraq?

http://andrew1769.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/blackwater.jpg

When I saw this Blackwater photo months ago it looked and smelled like a fabricated P/R. promo photograph from a mile away.

Notice that the wall behind each of these "soldiers in combat", and the seams in the "floor", and even the stains in the concrete floor are extremely similar!! Hmmmmm. I smell two fabricated P/R photographs.

Any comments?

James Valastro

[Ryan Goble]

Thanks for sharing this stuff guys!!!

RRG:)