UFO Photos by Jason Gleaves (book review).
While conducting research for my article on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), I encountered Jason Gleaves’ “UFO Photos.” Gleaves, an ex-Royal Air Force member, was a witness to the 1993 RAF Cosford triangular UAP event, along with others. Until reading his account, I was unaware of the immense size of the UAP—comparable to a football stadium—making it nearly impossible to overlook.
In his book, Gleaves meticulously examines various UAP photographs using computer software to check for authenticity and to discern any details that might be revealed through Photoshop Express, often employing the negative image effect. This process allows him to identify and correct misinterpretations, although I find myself questioning some of his conclusions, particularly those identifying UAPs as birds. For instance, it seems improbable that a blue tit could be mistaken for a UAP, whether observed from afar or up close.
Interestingly, some photographs in Gleaves’ collection were taken inadvertently, with photographers not noticing the UAPs until after their photos were developed. This phenomenon suggests that UAPs may not always draw attention to themselves.
However, Gleaves’ conclusions are often succinct, sometimes reduced to a single word, making them easy to overlook. He identifies only one photograph as a fake, while another image, captured in 2017 at China Lake, is speculated to depict a man-made flying vehicle or drone. Although unconventional, this object is worth comparing to traditional UAPs.
Gleaves also discusses the glowing effect seen in many UAP photographs, hypothesizing that it might be a byproduct of their power source. Surprisingly, he does not utilize sharpening tools to address anti-aliasing issues that would present curved lines more accurately. This technique is commonly used on televisions and other visual displays to ensure that square pixels can represent curves at any resolution.
Due to space constraints, Gleaves does not present the original photographs before his editing work. Graphic software offers various means to examine photos, and access to original or pre-digital negatives could allow for high-resolution scans that might reveal more details.
In his concluding notes, Gleaves reflects on the potential uproar among religious groups if the existence of extraterrestrials on Earth were confirmed. However, I am skeptical about this assertion, as recent disclosures by the US Navy have not elicited significant public reactions. If these extraterrestrial species possess their own religious beliefs, or if their beliefs resemble human religions, it might prompt introspection and questioning among their own kind. Imagine the implications if some extraterrestrials bore resemblance to religious figures like Ganesha or Buddha.
Ultimately, I view Gleaves’ book as a peculiar yet intriguing work. While readers might not glean much more information than expected, it is evident that Gleaves’ selected photographs have undergone careful scrutiny to avoid fakery or misinterpretation. Observing some of the processes he employs underscores that photographs are not accepted at face value without thorough examination.
GF Willmetts
September 2023
(pub: Flying Disk Press, 2018. 122 page illustrated medium-size hardback. Price: varies. ISBN: 979-8-51349-090-6)
check out website: www.flyingdiskpress.com
