As I recall the first photo of the Marines was a gung ho photo and was sent back to the States before developing. When the editor called and asked if it was staged Joe Rosenthal said yes. That made for mistaken report that the famous one was staged. The editor and Joe were talking about two different flags and photos. The first flag was taken down to save it from being confiscated by an Admiral from off-shore and Rosenthal took the famous photo as a fleeting after thought.
Incorrect. James Forrestal wanted the first flag.
In addition, Rosenthal was still walking up Suribachi when the first flag was raised. Lowery passed him on his way down the mountain and told Rosenthal that he had missed the flag raising.