This page is part of the Hoax Photo Database, which catalogs examples of photo fakery throughout the history of photography. Included in the database are photos that are "real," but which have been suspected of being fake, as well as images whose veracity remains undetermined. The images are categorized by theme, technique of fakery, and time period.

HOLIDAY GAG GIFTS
Everything from the popular Farting Santa to fake Lottery Ticket stocking stuffers.

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Techniques of Fakery
HOLIDAY HENRY
The festive talking holiday gnome. Record a personalized message, and listen as Henry repeats it back in his high-pitched squeaky gnome voice!
Themes
Time Periods

FM
The Silent City
Status: False caption
Date: ca. 1888
Alaskan prospector Dick Willoughby claimed he snapped this photo in 1888 while looking out over Muir Glacier in southeastern Alaska. He said that a mirage of a "silent city" could be seen emerging from the mists. He sold thousands of copies of this picture and conned people into taking guided tours to see the mirage, before someone realized it was simply a blurry photo of Bristol, England.
References:
Alaska State Library. Photo Number: PCA 87-2738.
Technique: False Caption. Time Period: Before 1900.
Themes: Landscapes.

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