Measurements and optics.

[Packard]

According to official team stats, Lexie Hull (left) is 6’ 1”, and Caitlin Clark is 6’ 0”.

I am trying to figure out why the actual heights and the image appear at odds with each other. 

To my eyes, Hull looks 2” to 3” taller, and probably nearer to the 3” differential.

 

[squall_line]

Because the camera is lower than both of their heads, and Caitlin is standing in front.  Perspective changes everything.

 

[bertv]

This image has been photoshopped. The 'shorter' player was also photographed against a dark background (maybe in the same original shot) and after making her freestanding pasted into place. The giveaway is the left contour (as seen by viewer). It has the same fuzziness as the longer players' left side. If the front player was really standing in front of a person or object that contour would have a different aspect.
Another giveaway is in the highlights in the eyes. These should originate from the same source, but do not.

AI has made these manipulations very easy to do. There is a reason why first rate photographer agencies like Magnum have strict rules against manipulating images beyond a certain amount of colour correction and such.

 

[Packard]

This image has been photoshopped. The 'shorter' player was also photographed against a dark background (maybe in the same original shot) and after making her freestanding pasted into place. The giveaway is the left contour (as seen by viewer). It has the same fuzziness as the longer players' left side. If the front player was really standing in front of a person or object that contour would have a different aspect.
Another giveaway is in the highlights in the eyes. These should originate from the same source, but do not.

AI has made these manipulations very easy to do. There is a reason why first rate photographer agencies like Magnum have strict rules against manipulating images beyond a certain amount of colour correction and such.

I was not looking for manipulations, but I see the sharp contours on Clark’s (#22) shoulder in front of Hull. 

It is for reasons like this that forensics labs across the country are moving back to film cameras.  Prosecutors have lost cases because “experts” have claimed that the images had been manipulated. 

As an old black and white photographer, I can almost always spot a movie shot on film vs a movie shot digitally.  The tonal range is different. 

Manipulation is the only thing that makes sense to me.  I cannot visualize how the perspective of a low camera angle would make that much of a difference.

In the source for this photo, they were not making a point over the subjects’ heights.  I looked at the images and I thought to myself, “But they are about the same height.”

If you can’t trust women’s professional basketball, who can you trust?  [eek] [big grin]

 

[daveg]

The obvious explanation is that Hull is wearing heels, Clark is not.  [big grin]

Actually, I think the team stats are likely not accurate. I doubt the image is photo shopped.

 

[Packard]

The obvious explanation is that Hull is wearing heels, Clark is not.  [big grin]

Actually, I think the team stats are likely not accurate. I doubt the image is photo shopped.

I agree that team stats are questionable, though some of those numbers date back to their college days.

They are both wearing game-day uniforms.  I would assume game-day footwear too.  In any case, high heels seems rather unlikely.