Temple Photo Is Questioned
A few months ago, we received a digital image via e-mail along with a compelling sighting report from a group of people living near Temple, MI. The image was striking, and after interviewing the witnesses and finding no direct evidence that the photo was altered, we were convinced that their story had merit. Click on the image below to read the full account.
Now, we’re not so sure. Scott Davis, a Researcher with the Oregon Bigfoot Group did some detective work and discovered an image on the web that looked suspiciously close to the Temple creature. Using his substantial PhotoShop skills, Scott did this interpretation of how the image could have been faked.
Pretty compelling, isn’t it? The only thing that troubles me about Scott’s work is the stark difference between step #7 and #8. While #7 is a blurry black blob, #8 is precisely illuminated and matched to the original.
One other caveat to consider: Most people don’t know that every stage in the life of a digital image is recorded in something called metadata. This is hidden information contained in every digital image file that tells a story of how and when a photo was taken, the type of camera used, lens settings, etc. Most image manipulation programs, such as PhotoShop, leave a significant digital fingerprint when they are used to alter an image. While it is possible to strip off all of the metadata (which we do with most images before posting them), it is rather challenging to selectively alter it.
In the case of the Temple image, the original file was subjected to a metadata test by our in-house PhotoShop expert before we posted it. The only information it contains is the date, time, and camera detail; all of which matches exactly the information given by the witnesses. There is no data to indicate PhotoShop tinkering. Further, the witnesses did not strike us as being particularly computer savvy. It took them three tries to attach the image to an e-mail.
So, we’re putting this here to get your opinion. Give us some feedback on your thoughts about the Temple image. Is it real or forged? If it is real, are we looking at life imitating art?
Thanks for your input.
April 26th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Personally, I can see difference between the original picture and it’s photoshopped counterpart. The example was longer, thicker, wider, than the one in the “unshopped” picture. However, that maybe due to the fact that in editing, if any, the editor chose the Dogman to look lanky. The Original Dogman in the picture also looks to have a shorter snout, or muzzle, than the shopped one. There is also more distinction of the “photographed” one’s figure.
However, the fact that the two poses are so similar is uncanny, as blurred they obviously have a similar physical build. It was also noted that the witness “…[was not] particularly computer savvy.” However, it is always a possibility that he/she (whoever the witness who sent that may be) was not the editor, and received that picture via E-mail, or some other method.
Personally, I’d like to believe that it’s just a coincidence that the two pictures look so alike and that’s (a) Dogman.
May 4th, 2009 at 2:23 am
This picture really does boggles my mind… Ive been taking a look at it myself with photoshop, lighting it up to get a clearer picture of the creature… From what I can tell, and do mind im no expert on these matters, at all, the light seems to fall rather naturally at the creature from the different sources of light (the light post and the snow reflecting the light back up at the creature).. If it is forged, its done very skillfully and with more effort put in it than Id think anyone would be willing to spend on a simple prank, especially when youve had personal contact with these people. What would really settle this for me however is if there had been taken more than one picture, but alas, this one in and of itself is very interresting
Keep up the great work!
May 6th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Very interesting pic, like the other comments I have dropped it into PS and boosted the contrast etc, If it is a fake I don’t think it been built like the narnia version. If it real then its fucking huge. I am from the uk and have seen the gable film , I find the story of the dogman fascinating. is there a higher than usual proportion of missing people in the area’s of sighting?
Has anyone created a online map of sighting?
Have you ever gone on a search?
From reading the accounts I think the most sensible option would be to take the gun that Jesse Ventura is packing in predator, and also some retired delta force. hang on minute I feel generic movie plot coming on that see’s a bunch of battle hardened men fight to the death against a army of dogmen ending with brusing finale which see the last surviving merc fashioning some weapons from a dead wolverine and a few sticks and taking the fight to the Doggster. We also need to throw in some unexplained link to Native American religion which the hero is in someway linked to. cue soaring eagle’s and a wise old dude watching proceedings through a fire in his Tipi. I reckon Seagal could be interested.
May 7th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I’m the artist who did this manipulation comparison. For some reason here on this blog my entire image has been narrowed. The original version of it that I sent to Steve proportionally matched the width of the photo in the original sighting report. Perhaps the difference here is due to the format of how things display on this Blog. I really don’t know much about that.
The blog asks: “The only thing that troubles me about Scott’s work is the stark difference between step #7 and #8. While #7 is a blurry black blob, #8 is precisely illuminated and matched to the original.” The reason for that is because I went in an adjusted the highlights and focus during step 8 to try to match the original image as closely as possible. If you look closely at the original image submitted with the report, it’s also pretty blurry.
Simply put, everyone can take this for what it is worth to them. I sent my manipulated image to Steve in an effort to help him if the image in the report is hoaxed. I personally think it’s a manipulated version of the Narnia picture for the reasons I’ve showed/explained. If others feel differently that’s fine.
May 8th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Let me state for the record that I never meant to infer that Scott’s work on this photo comparison was substandard or contrived in any way. Scott is an excellent PhotoShop artist, and I deeply appreciate his efforts on the Temple image. Scott and I share the desire to expose hoaxes for what they are.
The idea behind this post is similar to a court case. There is compelling evidence supporting both sides of this issue, and my goal is to present the case fairly and place it before a jury of peers.
Finally, Scott is correct that the image of his comparison displayed here is narrowed from the original. It’s a fluke in WordPress that compresses images beyond a certain width. To see Scott’s work in its original form, click this link:
http://www.michigan-dogman.com/oneoff/compare.jpeg
May 8th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I have seen the Gable film . Read all of the stories on the Dogmen. Bought the DVD and visit the Michigan Dogman website regularly. I love this legend and love to here the stories and find out more info. on these creature’s. This picture it does look kinda fake, but who really know’s. Right, only the people who tookor altered it. I would like to hear that its real. I would love to see these scientist flip there lid. I want to see what kind of explination they have. I wish someone would actually catch one, if its real. Or get a better picture ( a clear one). Or get a clear video. I want to see this creature, All of these creature’s they say can’t exsist. Why can’t we get a real image, why do people have to lie or alter things such as photo’s or video’s. And why can’t we do we alwayz try to come up with a reason why things happen. I wish for once someone would be honest and show us a real creature. Clear and not altered, come on prove the simple mind peole wrong. Show us these creature’s, I would love to see this photo be real.
May 9th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Thanks for the words of support Steve (much appreciated), and for presenting the image in its proper width.
May 12th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
I’ve found the PS data report on the comparisons very intriguing. The dogman scene has interested me for years as a northern michigan sportsman who loves to spend time in the swamps. Let me say that there are things in the swamps that I cannot identify and have had interesting encounters. That said, for some reason when I look at the Temple photo that image of the creature just doesnt look genuine to the surrounding buildings and scenery. That’s just my opinion and has been my first and lasting impression of the shot. In no way do I criticize the people that took this photo…..many of us know what it’s like to see something we know wont be readily accepted as believeable to the general public.
Keep up the great work on the michigan dogman website!
May 12th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
I think this pic is real, but I could be wrong. Out of all the creatures in this world the Michigan Dogman strike’s me as the most interesting creature and for one reason intelligence, I’ve herd people try to catch and kill this creature but none have succeeded, why because in my opinion you would need an army and if this pic is real your gonna need a big army for example look what happened with the Beast of Gevaudan incident, my point is that the werewolf outsmarted the french army so even though this is not the same werewolf and that the us army is better than the 1700s french army we would still have to use tremendous resources to capture this creature and besides can anyone tell me what were gonna use to capture it because I don’t think a cage is gonna hold him I mean I have heard this werewolf has torn through a small jeep or suv like a tin can because it hit it, and how much tranquilizer will we need to take it down enough to get an elephant, ok what if that doesn’t work or if it makes it mad and it decides to go on a killing spree. These creatures are not easy to predict especially since they are so cunning, I mean we haven’t been to get a good picture of this creature, well I think I will be the first to actually try to go and see if it can find me, because if there is one thing I have learned about these creatures it’s that “you don’t find the werewolf the werewolf finds you” and yes that’s my quote and nobody can have it but anyone can use it if they want. The Dogman probably ran because it say the girl was pointing something at it so by nature it bolted to safety, not that it wasn’t safe enough but how was it supposed to know that she had a camera and not a weapon. Here’s some tips for ya, the only thing they truly fear in my opinion is a gun because when ever I read about a “real” werewolf story and someone draws a gun that’s it game over the werewolf runs but use common sense and don’t chase after one with a gun because it will be circling you the entire time if it even stays and if it does then it’s not curious and your in big trouble because it will probably lure you deep into the woods and…well you know the rest. From what I have read they should be that smart. However when it hides behind a tree listen to your gut and leave, DON’T go back like some people have because that only pisses him off. If Dogman decides to stalk you there isn’t a lot you can do about it but if your far away from home jogging is the best answer because saving your strength is the top priority. They are not the evil monsters Hollywood makes them look to be, sure they can be that way but only if you piss them off and a good way not to is to turn around whenever you sense one is around, to me they have a sense of humor for example the grinning, they had to of learned that from humanity because I can’t see them doing that to mean anything, basically this is just to scare someone and I would crap my pants to if I saw this, and if they are banging into your car a few times it’s just to scare you, unless you have an armored vehicle they can rip what ever vehicle you have apart. Okay I know this is extremely long but this is a extremely complicated subject that I have put the majority of my mindset toward and I can’t believe what I have learned, I haven’t even been to Michigan and I know a ton a information about this creature. I just want everyone to know that this is not my hobby but my dream to prove to science the I was right and you were wrong, I just hope some day I will get the chance.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
One other detail I’d like to clarify in case it is misinterpreted. In making the image comparison above I am NOT implying that the Gable footage or the Dogman itself aren’t real. My comparison was directed specifically at that one particular Temple, MI report and that one photograph that accompanies it.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
When I first saw this image I thought it was a simple cut and paste, however the only thing that stops me from believing its authenticity is the relative size of the animal in comparison to the barn to its right. Given the story, if the photo was taken from a considerable distance this animal would be over 10ft tall. My other problem is the actual photo quality, as an avid photographer with an advanced Cannon camera, it would have taken several minutes to adjust manual settings to capture this image. Setting the camera to “auto” would simply have produced a black washed image with a spec of light as the barn light.
I’m certainly not saying I don’t believe in the possibility of unknown animals, I like many have witnessed things I cannot explain in the woods, and I do believe someday science will prove the existence of something we haven’t seen before.
May 28th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Interesting photo, although I would have to say that my impression is that it it fake. I have been researching the Michigan Dogman as well as other mystery canines for years, so I have a good idea what’s going on, sighting wise. Photography is also a hobby of mine, so I am very familiar with Photoshop as well. The scale is unusual, and if it were correct, judging by the height of the barn in the photo this creature (as already stated by others) would be over ten feet tall, probably closer to twelve feet. Taking pictures, even with a good digital camera in the dark is difficult, and setting the camera to “auto” mode would likely produce a very dark image, except for the light-post, which as has already been stated would likely just appear as a bright spot. I have also never heard of a sighting in which a “Dogman” was described as being so large. This doesn’t mean that they can not get this big (if they exist at all that is), but you would think that a creature so large would kind of stand out. Now, this is not proof by any means, that this photo is fake. This is just my opinion. If this photo is fake, then somebody put a lot of work into it, even going as far as to edit the EXIF data. Like I said, my impression is that it is fake, but I have been known to be wrong before, I just hope I am not wrong now. I mean hell, imagine running into something that big? Hmm, maybe we should all start looking into missing persons in that area, or maybe missing animals. Probably both.
May 30th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
I think Scott has done excellent work in reproducing the ‘dogman’ and showing that this photo is a hoax. I also work with Photoshop and the differences between the original dogman image and Scott’s image are only to be expected when two different people are recreating the same image.
The similarity of the posture, detail, color and lighting compared to the original of the Narnia image are too great to be overlooked. While I believe in coincidences, there are far too many matchups with the Narnia image for the picture to be authentic.
That being said, I do believe that a creature called the dogman exists – the Gable film is amazing and after watching the entire film, it seems unlikely that someone would have attached a hoax to the end of it. The circumstances of finding the Gable film also make it more likely to be real – I believe no one has stepped forward to claim credit for it, unlike this picture which was submitted by two teenagers.
Pictures such as this do a disservice to a search for the truth and merely provide fodder for skeptics.
June 18th, 2009 at 7:00 am
I dont understand are or are we not calling this a actual human who turns into a wolf. But there is also ano ther topic to discuss therianthropy this is where someone has a recarnated animal soul. iv’e been studing the topic and some therians believe they can change into there animal. also i should say that there are a large amount of wolf therians. so if the dogman is human could the two topics go to gether. could dogman as a human be atherian maybe he is a racarnated wolf soul but has a human body. Or is this a new kind of dog/wolf species i guess we wont know. because the dogman is way smarter than us and i dont think that we will ever know the truth. dogman lets himself be seen whene he wants to be seen and hunting him will only get you what you see in the movies.
June 29th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
After reading kyle’s post, I was looking through a website for a missing persons report in Michigan. I found one where a gentleman last seen on 8/4/08 entered the woods, just down the street from his house to meet his girlfriend. The girlfriend didn’t immediately go to meet him, but when she got there…she couldn’t find him. He disappared at 4:15pm. This took place in Newberry, MI. Have there been any dogman sightings in or around that away? I’m not from michigan and not familar with the area, but have been fascinated with the witness encounter’s of this beast.
June 29th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Newberry is in the Upper Peninsula. A small town, quite remote. There are any number of reasons a person might ‘go missing’ from there, although the circumstances of the case you describe seem very odd.
Oddly, there aren’t many sighting reports that come from the U.P. It could be that vast stretches of wilderness make an intelligent and elusive creature ever more difficult to spot.
July 8th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
So today is the first time I’m hearing about this.But I was told that people have seen and heard weird things in the woods in the small town of Pullman,Mi.Someone said yesterday sometime a woman was driving and seen what she thought was a dog up ahead a little ways.As she got closer it stood up on two legs and ran back in the woods.Had allot of hair over it’s body and a dog like muzzle. I was told it was all over the news today,but I haven’t seen nor can find anything on the web news about it. That’s how I came across this site.It was saposeably caught last night,Finally??I was surprised to read that this dog like creature is an old myth.If anyone heard of this sighting in Pullman also, please respond to my comment.Or anywhere around the Allegan woods.
July 13th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Sara, the Dogman topic has been around for ages. I first heard of when hearing the song on the radio a few years back…and I’ve lived in michigan since 1959. A dogman creature caught? That would generate some press releases so it’s likely to be hoax or hearsay. There are alot of strange stories that include the Allegan forest
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July 17th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
[...] site’s blog. Checked it out. Quite true. It is. OregonBigfoot.com researcher Scott Davis did a simulation in Photoshop of this, layering in a creature from a Chronicles of Narnia movie, the Prince Caspian one. I just [...]
July 21st, 2009 at 1:36 pm
That “newest” release of film footage….could easily be called “Gable, Part II” is very very compelling. I’d like to see someone investigate the officers uniform and county documents on the finding of the bodily remains. Haunting……that is NOT consistent with black bear remains, especially when you consider how rare it is for a black bear to attack and kill a human.
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:47 am
I kinda see a difference between scotts version and the original if u look at the ear area of scotts version is kinda blur and difficult to see(no offense) and the back is different. Not saying that its real or not but… in my opinion this could be real about 2/3 of a chance. Once again scott no offense.
November 5th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I use photoshop every single day as part of my job. (Much more then I would like, probably.) I do alot of photo-retouching that has to look real. I think Scott’s demonstration is pretty good at pointing out how the Narnia image could be put into the photo to create a hoax.
Aside from this, there is another reason why I think this image is suspect. The “darkness” , for lack of a better word on the creature is too uniform. Look at where the animal’s head is in relation to the streetlight. Now look at the shoulder. Now look at the rear-most “thigh”. All of these parts of the creature have roughly the same highlight.
As a comparison, look at the snowbank in front of the creature, or the street itself. Photoshop is a powerful tool, especially in the hands of a skilled artist like Scott- but one thing it simply cannot do is put light on a surface that was never there to begin with.
If the animal were really there beneath that light, there would be much more contrast on the surface of it’s body and the highlights on it’s head would be much brighter and better defined since they are so much closer to the light source.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
The Temple photo looks fake to me but I am open to proof to the contrary. The beast in the photo is huge and in the history and evolution of animals there was never mentioned a wolf like creature of this great size. It appears as tall as a Bigfoot. The Gable film part II is suspicious when viewing the half-eaten body. Its just to neat and no blood spatter. Why was the top part of the female victim not ravaged or ripped apart in certain areas of her body? The alleged police officers on the scene just don’t look the part. They do not adopt the police or law enforcement stance, which are contact, caution and defensive. In operation the officer stands a arm and a half length away from the PERP, strong side turned away on a angle with your weight resting on your strong side. Protecting the crime scene, you’d adopt a modified spread leg stance that affords strength and ability to move quickly at any angle if needed. The crime scene is poorly protected from outside compromise and introduction of extraneous evidence not part of the original crime. The telling point though is where is the shotgun? My God,any cop will tell you if there called out to a crime scene out in the woods with a half-eaten body that is all that is left of the victim. you can be assured they’ve got their hand and trigger finger ready to squeeze off a round from there semi-automatic shotgun. One thought, the Federal Government and military conduct some wierd experiments, maybe this “Dogman” is an attempt at cloning a “Combat Operative” to use in hand to hand fighting behind enemy lines. I think a Dogman would discourage even the most hardened Jihadist or El Queda from defending. Obviously the animal could not be controled and was dumped back into its original environment. This theory is more plausible than shape-shifting, skin walkers or werelwolfs.
December 12th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I am an online fan of cryptozoology that tripped over this page by looking for the dogman by seeing some pictures on a friend’s myspace page. My first thought when seeing this photo was that it was a clear fake because of the size issue (all other reports and photos put the dogman at 6 feet and with the distance and the sizing in the backgrounds, this thing, if truly there, was well over a giant’s height, much less an average man).
After viewing Scott’s images and the original photo several more times, I do believe we can put that photo to rest as a hoax.
December 13th, 2009 at 3:49 am
I myself still think that this photo is authentic. Although, the image comparison is either what you say. Nature imitating art. Or its one heck of an attempt to call it manipulated. Seems like you all have a serious clue on your hands. I’m still saying its real. Especially since you mentioned that the picture carried no tell tale signs of being enhanced at all.
December 16th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Truly interesting, the very first time I saw this Photo it kind of had me puzzled due to the fact how well the Animal shows within the Dark Shadowed part of the Barn. Not to mention the Way you described how it could be falsified makes perfect sense. Excellent find!
I forgot about the Use of Blurs and Brightness that can be used to make Images highly realistic whcih I should pay more attention to before thinking to myself “Oh hey! I see this and that so it must be Legitimate.