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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 867 — Real vs Fake: How to Tell If Photos Were Altered Before a Sale
Online sellers increasingly use editing tools, filters, lighting tricks, and selective cropping to present items in ways that hide flaws, misrepresent condition, or disguise counterfeit traits. Because buyers rely almost entirely on photos before committing to a purchase, even minor manipulations can create a false sense of authenticity or value. Many people assume a clean, bright, or “professional-looking” image indicates honesty, when in reality it often signals intentional concealment. Without a structured workflow, it becomes difficult to determine whether a photo reflects the true condition of an item or a carefully crafted digital illusion. Understanding how to read images critically is essential for avoiding costly mistakes and identifying red flags before engaging with a seller.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 867 teaches you the full, non-destructive workflow professionals use to identify altered, misleading, or manipulated photos before evaluating an item’s authenticity. You’ll learn how to detect digital editing, analyze lighting behavior, identify strategic cropping, evaluate reflections and shadows, examine metadata and resolution mismatches, cross-check images against internet sources, and interpret seller behavior—one of the most overlooked indicators of deception.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Detect filters, retouching, cloning, and masking
Identify lighting tricks used to hide scratches, dents, or condition issues
Spot strategic cropping, angle manipulation, and missing views
Use shadows and reflections to reveal inconsistencies
Evaluate metadata, compression artifacts, and resolution drops
Determine whether photos were stolen or copied from other listings
Interpret seller behavior when you request additional images
Apply a structured checklist to verify photo integrity before purchase
Whether you're buying collectibles, artwork, memorabilia, furniture, electronics, sports cards, or luxury goods, this guide gives you the expert-level tools needed to recognize manipulated photos and protect yourself during online purchases.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access
Online sellers increasingly use editing tools, filters, lighting tricks, and selective cropping to present items in ways that hide flaws, misrepresent condition, or disguise counterfeit traits. Because buyers rely almost entirely on photos before committing to a purchase, even minor manipulations can create a false sense of authenticity or value. Many people assume a clean, bright, or “professional-looking” image indicates honesty, when in reality it often signals intentional concealment. Without a structured workflow, it becomes difficult to determine whether a photo reflects the true condition of an item or a carefully crafted digital illusion. Understanding how to read images critically is essential for avoiding costly mistakes and identifying red flags before engaging with a seller.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 867 teaches you the full, non-destructive workflow professionals use to identify altered, misleading, or manipulated photos before evaluating an item’s authenticity. You’ll learn how to detect digital editing, analyze lighting behavior, identify strategic cropping, evaluate reflections and shadows, examine metadata and resolution mismatches, cross-check images against internet sources, and interpret seller behavior—one of the most overlooked indicators of deception.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Detect filters, retouching, cloning, and masking
Identify lighting tricks used to hide scratches, dents, or condition issues
Spot strategic cropping, angle manipulation, and missing views
Use shadows and reflections to reveal inconsistencies
Evaluate metadata, compression artifacts, and resolution drops
Determine whether photos were stolen or copied from other listings
Interpret seller behavior when you request additional images
Apply a structured checklist to verify photo integrity before purchase
Whether you're buying collectibles, artwork, memorabilia, furniture, electronics, sports cards, or luxury goods, this guide gives you the expert-level tools needed to recognize manipulated photos and protect yourself during online purchases.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access