A soldier wearing a patterned helmet applies green camouflage paint to his face.
Look closely. Let the image settle.
Camouflage / Human design

Face Paint — Interrupting a Familiar Face

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Paint changes the contrast and familiar visual pattern of exposed skin.

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Compare the painted face with the patterned helmet. Notice which edges, eyes and highlights still reveal the person.

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History, evidence & image credit

THE IMAGE IN THIS ARCHIVE

SPC GERALD JAMES

Original file & attribution · Public domain

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Frequently asked questions

What is Face Paint — Interrupting a Familiar Face?

Paint changes the contrast and familiar visual pattern of exposed skin.

What should I look for in Face Paint — Interrupting a Familiar Face?

Compare the painted face with the patterned helmet. Notice which edges, eyes and highlights still reveal the person.

What explains Face Paint — Interrupting a Familiar Face?

Colour patches can reduce the contrast of exposed skin against clothing and surroundings, and interrupt the cues by which an observer recognises a face. A photograph in visible light cannot establish how the materials appear in infrared.

A soldier wearing a patterned helmet applies green camouflage paint to his face.

Face Paint — Interrupting a Familiar Face