World war two Photography
During World War two, photography was the main means of conveying what was happening on the battlefield. Alongside Propaganda posters, images of valiant British soldiers 'fighting the good fight' was the best means of convincing others to go to war.
These photos would have likely been edited in a way to show the allies in the best possible light. The war has a long history of Photo-editing, however he case of Stalin is the most famous of its kind.
These photos would have likely been edited in a way to show the allies in the best possible light. The war has a long history of Photo-editing, however he case of Stalin is the most famous of its kind.
Stalin's Photo manipulation
Joseph Stalin used photo-retouching in 1920, an impressive feat considering Photoshop did not exist! On May 5th, 1920, he attended a speech for Soviet troops, which Leon Trotsky also attended.
Now you see him.....now you don't!
Stalin had the photograph 'retouched' (edited) so Trotsky did not appear in it!
Lesson objective
For our lesson, we are going to do the opposite of what Stalin did. He took people out of photographs, we're going to put you in them! You were conscripted, and served under your battalion, so now we want evidence of the part you played in the war effort!
From the selection of photographs below, you are going to choose one you want to be a part of. Then, you could choose one of the following options:
From the selection of photographs below, you are going to choose one you want to be a part of. Then, you could choose one of the following options:
- Put your face onto an existing person - This is probably the easiest of the tasks...you simply have to take a picture matching the angle and facial expression of the person you want to replace
- Put yourself into the image entirely - You could use props from the drama department, or simply appear in your uniform! Strike a pose and transport yourself into one of the photos!
- Add your friends - If it's a group shot, don't just put yourself in the image, add some other members of your battalion!