Photographs are often regarded as truthful sources of historical events, depictions of political situations, or as devices in information campaigns. They can convey facts, but also manipulate reality. Exposing the moves made is not always simple, unless you are aware of how images may be manipulated.

We suggest that you always start from the assumption that images are not identical to reality. Be aware of how they are used in books, dissemination, and exhibitions - in addition to assignments and research. Each image must be assessed, along with the text information and context.

Manipulation, a historical example

On 22 March 1933, the newspaper Bergens Arbeiderblad published this picture of a fire with lots of smoke in Haugeveien 13 in Bergen. Move the slider to compare the printed photo with the original.

Photo from left: Fra branden på Nordnes i formiddag. (1933). In Bergens Arbeiderblad (p. 4). Accessible from nb.no

Photo from right: Atelier KK. (1933). Branden i Haugeveien 13. Special collections. University Library of Bergen. marcus.uib.no

^{This is an example of how historical images could be manipulated long before the age of Photoshop. In this case, the newspaper wanted pictures that included smoke to enhance their message, and they simply added what they needed. Such manipulation of images has always been common and can seem difficult to protect oneself against. Due to the manipulation, this newspaper image cannot be reused as evidence of smoke in this fire. It is merely an illustration, just like a drawing.}

Information and context

One way images can mislead is when they are placed in the wrong context. If the image gives misleading information, it may be perceived as something different from what it originally was.
This has been a common practice, especially in war propaganda, but also in more everyday political dissemination and news stories - and is highly relevant in connection with information about the war in Ukraine. Faktisk.no refers to several good examples (in Norwegian).

Another, more innocent example is seen below:

^{Photo: Atelier KK. (1918). Fra A/S Bergens Skofabrik. Special collections. University Library of Bergen. marcus.uib.no}

This photo, originally commissioned for Bergens Skofabrikk (Shoe factory) in 1918, was recently used in an online article to illustrate the conditions of female convicts in Bergen. The picture was presented in a completely different context than the original and used to demonstrate a different point than it was intended to. This was done using text, while the image itself was essentially untouched. This type of manipulation of information and context is not uncommon. As with other sources, it is also important to thoroughly check photos.

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