Identifying photographs altered by computer digital manipulation
Identifying photographs altered by computer digital manipulation
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Issue Date
1995
Authors
Teel, Jr., Charles L.
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Abstract
In recent years the increasingly sophisticated technology of the computer age has been combined with the almost 300 year old practice of photography. To alter a conventional photograph is a time consuming and exacting task requiring extensive knowledge on the part of the photographer. The computer industry has developed digital imaging equipment that is simple to operate. A relatively inexperienced operator can scan a photograph into the computer, manipulate or alter the image, and then produce a computer generated photograph.
Photographs may be entered into evidence if they are a true and accurate representation of the scene. Those photographs may be altered by any number of means, but digital photography equipment is becoming so advanced that we may not be able to determine if a photograph has been altered.
The computer generated photographs exhibit some common characteristics that may enable a trained individual tocorrectly identify them. Other methods include examining the scene in the photograph for any anomalies, such as lack of shadow detail, or shadows where nothing exists to cast a shadow.
Further tests using a wider variety of cameras and film may also help isolate and identify the common characteristics of computer generated photographs.
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Forensic science