vintage photo expert needed - manipulated or not photo?

[EstoniaPhoto]

Hi vintage photoexperts!

Can anybody tell is this (attached) photo real or manipulated? I mean did they just add head to the uniform (they used to do it that times I`ve heard)? I mean was that man really inside the uniform?

Thank you

Daniel from Estonia

[Mike in Cumbria]

Hi Daniel, and welcome to RootsChat.

I don't see any sign of manipulation here - I would say it is a genuine photo.

What made you wonder about it?

Mike

[Gadget]

Hi Daniel and welcome to Rootschat 

It looks like a normal photo to me. The shading is as would be expected around the neck and there are no obvious joins. I don't think Photoshop was around when this was taken.

It could, however, be someone dressing up in the uniform to make the photo look authentic but I don't see any obvious signs.

Why do you think it might have been manipulated?


Gadget

[EstoniaPhoto]

I`ve heard that photographers used to do that kind of tricks beginning of the 20th century ( pasted head into the already phtographed unifiorm - it was cheaper and had more effect). For me it looks also genuine. But I`m not an expert either.

Thank you!

[ScouseBoy]

Some photographers  studios  had a selection of uniforms,    So someone  could dress up  in  a  smart distinctive  uniform  and have their photograph  taken.

In 1939, when my father  was posted to Edinburgh,  he had his photograph taken   in full uniform  of a Scottish soldier in the Black Watch.

[John915]

Good morning,

The uniform is that of an Austrian or German soldier. Given he has a trumpet in his hand then most likely a bandsman.

John915

Added, the photo is also the wrong way round

[EstoniaPhoto]

John915: are you sure about it: "The uniform is that of an Austrian or German soldier".

Thank you!

[Regorian]

It's Russian.

[EstoniaPhoto]

Yeah, makes more sense when it`s russian. Thank you all for your asnwers!