The Trent Photos

On May 11, 1950, farmer Paul Trent photographed a disc-shaped object over his farm near McMinnville, Oregon. His two photos remain among the most studied and least-debunked UFO images in history.

The Witnesses

The Trents:

• Paul Trent (farmer)
• Evelyn Trent (wife)
• Simple farming couple
• No UFO interest
• Reluctant to publicize

The Evening

May 11, 1950:

• Early evening
• Evelyn first saw object
• Called Paul
• He grabbed camera
• Two photos taken

The Camera

Simple equipment:

• Box camera
• Black and white film
• Basic technology
• No manipulation possible
• Authentic period camera

The Object

What they photographed:

• Disc-shaped
• Metallic appearance
• Tilted angle
• Clearly defined
• Against sky

The Two Photos

Sequential images:

• Taken seconds apart
• Different angles
• Consistent object
• Moving between shots
• Genuine sequence

Initial Reluctance

The Trents:

• Didn’t publicize
• Weeks before developing
• Neighbor urged them
• Eventually went public
• Modest people

Media Coverage

Life magazine:

• Published photos
• National attention
• June 1950
• Widespread interest
• Historic images

Condon Committee

1967-1969 analysis:

• William Hartmann studied
• Found no evidence of hoax
• Consistent with large distant object
• Scientific analysis
• Inconclusive but supportive

Computer Analysis

Later studies:

• Dr. Bruce Maccabee
• Extensive analysis
• Supported authenticity
• Size and distance estimates
• Large object

Skeptical Analysis

Counter-arguments:

• Possible model
• Truck mirror suggested
• Never proven
• Debate continues
• Unresolved

The Trents’ Character

Community assessment:

• Honest farmers
• No history of deception
• Gained nothing
• Consistent story
• Credible people

Technical Analysis

Photography experts:

• Lighting consistent
• No obvious manipulation
• Period-appropriate
• Hard to fake
• Remarkable clarity

Continued Study

Decades of analysis:

• Both sides studied
• Never definitively resolved
• Still debated
• Historic images
• Iconic photos

Significance

Among the most analyzed and least-debunked UFO photographs, taken by credible witnesses with no motive to hoax.

Legacy

The Trent photos represent the best photographic UFO evidence from the early era—repeatedly studied, never proven fake, taken by reluctant witnesses who gained nothing from the experience.