New York Times Photo Deception

The New York Times just pulled a series of photographs by Edgar Martins after discovering they had been digitally altered.

What a failing on their part to understand the digital space.

Anyone can be fooled by a photo but only someone with more bile than light would have a crack at the New York Times for unknowingly posting the photos in the first place. However once the ‘deception’ had been revealed they should have kept the photos on the site and opened up a comments section so that the audience could debate the issue.

That’s what the internet is for.

STAN B has a different perspective:

I think they did right in removing his photos (and they did leave a comments section open for discussion). His work is already well enough out there for perusal, now more than ever. And he will continue to make a proper living at it. Why should his work now continue to be showcased alongside photographers whose work ethics (at least) are considerably more honest and ethical? He’s been getting away with his fabricated “purity statement” long enough, and it’s too late to have his book pulled. What about all the other awards and commissions he’s won under false pretense? I would hope they’re all suing for their money.

And I certainly hope he ultimately doesn’t come forth with a lame- I was just pointing out the current futility and limitations of what’s considered acceptable in art and photojournalism excuse, when he finally emerges from hiding…