As I read Whelan’s argument, overall I think the photograph “Falling Soldier” is not staged, but I think he was trying to set up a stage though. The argument was very convincing. I do not want to say the entire photograph faked, but I think Capa was trying to set up a stage at that moment, but unfortunately, the soldier got a bullet in his head right before he tried to do some pose. I think that was real and that moment was not a fake and staged. Since there is no any distinct evidence of the truth, we cannot have an argument that is staged or not. And since Capa is already gone and no one can really tell the truth, why do people hurting his reputation?

He was a great photographer, loved war photo, and tried to show people the truth of the war. As that facts, he deserves the reputation already and to be respectful.

In addition, I do think authenticity is important. Because of one photo, it can change the point of view and bring the people confusion and distortion of the truth.

I like to have an example of staged photograph, which is “Alexander Gardner, Home of a Rebel Sharpshooter, July 1863”. This Gardner’s photo is known as staged photo, and somehow I can sense Capa’s photograph seems similar. I think Capa was trying to do somewhat similar with this photograph.