Author : Pam Morris March 15 2015

More concerning than altering images for photojournalism is that similar trends of manipulating photographic evidence has been experienced in the scientific circles with the U.S office of Research Integrity reporting the number of scientific images contested for misconduct of inappropriate manipulation increasing from 2.5% to 26% from 1990 to 2001(Pearson 2005)[i]. Using altered photos for propaganda to change opinion has been used very effectively for political purposes since the early 20th century. More recently it has been used to blatantly manipulate public sentiments. During the 2004 Presidential primaries the photo (Figure 13) showing John Kerry on the podium with ‘Hanoi Jane’ Fonda was composited in an attempt to discredit him to voters as Jane Fonda had been branded a traitor to her country. The photo was a deliberate fake, made up of a composite of two separate images taken 12 months apart[ii].

Figure 13 Manipulated Images – Photographers unknown –2005 Kerry 1971 – Fonda 1972 Published to discredit John Kerry Campaign[iii]

[i] Pearson H.,2005 Nature Image manipulation: CSI: cell biology Nature 434, April pp 952-953 http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v434/n7036/full/434952a.html retrieved Mar 3rd 2015

[ii] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Fonda_2004_election_photo_controversy Retrieved Mar 12 th 2015

[iii] http://www.irdial.com/kerry_faked.jpg Retrieved Mar 3rd 2015