How to analyse an image?
For each image collectively write a short paragraph on each of the following seven topics:
1. Content and Meaning
Denotation - What’s in the image?
Connotation - What does the content suggest is happening?
Denonation and Connotation
Denotation is generally the subject matter being photographed and connotation is how it is being photographed (Parsa, 2004). Connotation is ideological and emotional. It is dependent on the background of the interpreter, different genders, ages and cultures can create different interpretations. Denotation may be agreed on many people from a similar background, while connotation is subjective unless it is an obvious part of a culture (Chandler, 2002).
2. Two-dimensionality and the Effect of Depth
What is the point of emphasis in the image?
Discuss foreground and background - how are the two separated by the photographer, is the background important to the reading of the image?
What is its significance?
Figure-Ground relations - Has the photographer composed the background as well as the foreground?
Is the foreground separated by shallow depth of field? Are the fore and backgrounds compressed by large DoF and use of a telephoto lens?
Is perspective used in the image? How do lines of perspective draw the eye through the image? Is there content of the image that is highlighted by lines of perspective?
How has the photographer used framing?
Rule of Thirds - Is there a use of the rule of thirds in the composition? How does it improve (or otherwise) the effect of the picture?
Classical balance - Is the subject centred in the frame? What are the effects of the background elements?
3. Graphical Elements
Discuss horizontal and vertical lines, how are they arranged, how do they affect the composition?
Diagonals give a sense of instability and dynamism, are they present? What is their effect?
Do the lines and shapes form a point of emphasis? Where is it (or are there several)? Pictorially, what is seen at the point of emphasis?
4. Viewpoint
Where is the camera in relation to the subject how does this affect the image?
5. Realism
Does the image create an objective or subjective effect? How?
6. Lighting
Is external or natural lighting used? How is it used? What is its effect?
7. Contrast
Discuss the uses of:
Colour, texture, shape, rhythm and repetition
How do these affect the reading of the image?
8. Concept or Idea
Does the image convey an idea? What is it?
9. Emulation
Consider this image the starting point of a series. How would you approach making images that would fit seamlessly alongside this one?
