This text analyses, in a clear manner, the misinterpretation of the concept of index that defines photography, stemming from the misuse of the term, where images with photographic appearance are defined as real photographs. This kind of technological images completely lack of any kind of causal connection between the final footprint and the object, and therefore also lack of any photographic literalness; hence, they can never be defined as real photographs. To begin with, this study will analyze upfront the imagery literacy and its referent in the digital era. Secondly, the study covers digital photographic edition, as well as the diverse manners of producing iconic images with indexical appearance, but that present a complete lack of it. Thirdly, the study defines this new imagery with proper terms, bringing in new interpretations to the debate on photography and technology, stemming from a challenging point of view.