A) From the reading…How do you know when an image is fake? Fiete cites 7 different ways to identify fake images. Explain 2 different techniques.
Inconsistency- You can tell if an image has been altered if a section of the image is inconsistent with the rest. For example, if the color, tone and edges of the section don't match up with the rest of the image, then the image may have been altered. Inconsistent illumination and shadowing are things to look for as well, but don't forget that illumination characteristics of a scene can seem inconsistent if imaging properties and other factors aren't taken into account.
Context Altering- context altering is the most common method of image editing. Changing the context of an image is usually claiming that the image is actually an image of something else. You can also change the content of an image by placing an image on a different image to create an image with a new meaning. It's a little tricky to identify an image with altered context. One way is to focus on the part of the image that makes it unbelievable. Also make sure to look for inconsistencies.
B) In your opinion…Can you trust the images you see in the media? Why or why not?
In my opinion, I can't trust the images I see on the media. After seeing many before-and-after pictures of models and products, I don't know what to believe anymore. I can't trust images because I can't tell if they're real or fake, or if it's the real deal, or some lie.
C) In your opinion…when is photo manipulation “OK” and when is it “WRONG”? Explain ONE situation in which photo manipulation is acceptable, and ONE situation in which it is NOT.
It's okay to manipulate photos only when you're doing it with good intentions. For example, retouching old photos; it’s okay to retouch an old photo in order to preserve it because the original is in bad shape, or has bad quality.
It's NOT okay to manipulate photos when you doing it in order to lie to people. For example, manipulating a photo to promote a product, making people think it's better than it actually is, or making the model for a product appear beautiful, so others will buy the product in hopes of looking beautiful, too.
