I wanted to apply validation to files that already exist on the local file system, just using the standard validator.

I've set some basic validation rules: it's required and must be an image with a maximum file size.

The file loads just fine, and I know for a fact it meets those validation rules - but the validator doesn't appear to understand the $local_file as a type - so, it always fails validation.

Here's my sample code:

$local_file = File::get(public_path() . '/local_file.jpeg');

$validator = Validator::make(
	array('image' => $local_file),
	array('image' => 'required|image|max:3000')
);

if ($validator->fails())
{
...
}

Is there another approach I can take?