We show one way to approach the issue below. Remember to enter the results of your investigation in your notebook.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g62-JZHXmYY&feature=youtu.be

In this case the photo is real, and the framing of the photo (that Lennon is signing an album for his killer) is accurate.

Why Not Examine the Photo Itself?

One question I get asked from time to time is why I encourage people to look for trusted coverage rather than examine the photo itself for photoshopping. Many people have the experience of having seen something that is obviously fake. So why not look for signs of fakery?

One of many examples of the internet meme "this looks shopped"

One of many examples of the internet meme "this looks shopped"

In practice we've found that this approach fails for a number of reasons. The biggest reason?

Let's provide an example first. The following image is presented online as evidence of a chemical spill in Hungary.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/50553306-0f83-400d-a307-ba8255345b81/trees-mining-sludge1.jpg

Is it shopped? Most people would say yes. But, actually, it isn't. It's really the effect of one of the worst industrial accidents in recent European history:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjf4e7ZAc9M

That's an extreme example, with a very weird looking picture, but stare at any image long enough and you'll find something wrong with it. Unless you're an expert in digital manipulation (you're not), it's better to find trusted commentary than pull out the magnifying glass.