Overview: The Art of Creating and Spotting Fake UFO Photos

earn how to spot a fake UFO photo and avoid being fooled by manipulated images. Get the inside scoop on the creation process and use our tips to identify a manipulated UFO photo.

The creation of manipulated UFO evidence like photos are a relatively simple process that can be accomplished using various digital tools and techniques. In order to create a fake UFO photo, one can start by finding or taking an obscure picture as the base image. This can be a photograph of a landscape, a cityscape, or any other type of scene that would be suitable for the purpose.

Once the base image has been selected, the next step is to create a mesh in a 3D modeling software, such as Blender. The mesh can be in the shape of a UFO or any other object that is desired. After creating the mesh, it can be beveled and scaled to achieve the desired size and shape.

Next, the mesh can be given a texture and the lighting and camera can be set up to match the original photo as closely as possible. Once the lighting and camera have been set up, the mesh can be rendered to create a 3D version of the UFO.

Once the 3D UFO has been rendered, it can be composited into the base image using a photo editing software, such as Photoshop. The composited image can then be adjusted using levels, curves, and other tools to make it fit the scene. Additional elements, such as a shadow, fog, or noise, can also be added to further enhance the realism of the manipulated photo.

Finally, the manipulated photo can be given a timestamp and lens distortion to make it appear more authentic. Cropping the photo to a specific aspect ratio, such as 3:2, can also help to give the image a more natural look.

There are several ways to spot a manipulated UFO photo. One effective method is to use a tool like FotoForensics, which can detect areas of an image that have been compressed differently and may indicate manipulation. Another way to detect a fake UFO photo is to examine the metadata of the image, which can reveal information about the date, time, and location where the photo was taken, as well as the camera and settings used.

Other methods for spotting a manipulated UFO photo include analyzing the shadows, reflections, and other visual details in the image, as well as comparing the image to other photos taken at the same location and time to see if there are any inconsistencies. By being aware of these techniques and methods, it is possible to identify and avoid being fooled by manipulated UFO photos.

UFO Evidence Tutorial

1. Find an obscure picture on google, or take one yourself. Something that would seem suitable.

2. Make a mesh in blender. Lets go with triangle for this one. Bevel the edges and play with the scale till it looks about right.

3. Now lets give it a texture and setup the lights and camera. Match the focal length, resolution, and lighting to the original photo as best we can.

4. Lets render it.

manipulated ufo evidence

5. Comp it into the background photo with Photoshop.

manipulated ufo evidence

6. Play with Levels and curves till it fits the scene. Mask out the boat, add some fog over it, a shadow, and color grade.

manipulated ufo evidence

7. Now the final touches. Add noise, timestamp, lens distortion, and cropping to 3:2.

manipulated ufo evidence

If an intermediate level designer created this in an hour, what could a professional do?

Detecting Faked UFO Evidence

There are several tools and methods that can be used for detecting fake photo evidence. One effective tool is FotoForensics, which can detect areas of an image that have been compressed differently and may indicate manipulation. Checking the metadata of an image can also be useful, as it can reveal information about the date, time, and location where the photo was taken, as well as the camera and settings used. Examining the shadows, reflections, and other visual details in the image can also help to identify inconsistencies or abnormalities that may indicate manipulation. By using these tools and methods, it is possible to more accurately determine the authenticity of photo evidence.

Here’s how we can try to detect them:

  • Fotoforensics – This is an excellent tool for quickly spotting manipulated ufo evidence. It will show a heat map of parts of the image compressed differently. In my fake, I specifically rendered the UFO in the same resolution as the original, to avoid this detection. This tool is not bulletproof. Compare my photo to the photo of KJU, it is certain manipulation took place.
manipulated evidence
manipulated evidence

  • Metadata – When you capture an image using a camera, extra meta information like date, time, camera model, geolocation, etc., are automatically added to it. In some cases, the metadata might also have information about the software that is used to edit or manipulate the image. However, most advanced hoaxers can easily alter the metadata. This is still something to keep in mind. FotoForensics will also display metadata for you.
  • Shadows – Look at the shadows. If the shadow of an object is darker/lighter/further/closer than the shadow of a reference object that it can be compared to, than you may have a fake. Some time, there is no object to use as a point of reference, so use the sun, moon, or brightest closest light source. Is the shadow cast in a way the makes sense in relation to that light source? If not, you may have a fake.

Sharing Phonies

In conclusion, being able to identify a manipulated UFO photo is an important skill for anyone interested in the paranormal or the UFO phenomenon. By understanding the techniques and tools used to create fake UFO photos, you can avoid being misled by these types of images.

If you’ve come across any manipulated UFO evidence online, we encourage you to share it with the Brooklyn Paranormal Society, as we’re maintaining an archive of such evidence. By contributing to our archive, you can help us better understand the prevalence of fake UFO photos and how they’re being created. Together, we can work towards a more accurate and reliable understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

Anthony LFounder

Anthony is the Chief Ectoplasm Officer of the Brooklyn Paranormal Society.