1. Still Images In the English course, still images includes posters, single frames from films, cartoons, photographs, billboards, illustrations and paintings.

2. The study of still images is included in our program because: Still images will be included in the WACE exam. 1n the Viewing Section you will have to analyse a still image supplied in the exam paper.

3. Visual texts do not simply present realities. Rather, they offer representations of reality which bring with them particular attitudes and values. Key Concept

4. The study of still images informs your understanding of the codes and conventions of film for all visual texts.

5. Guidelines for reading still images : Describe the subject matter Begin by describing what you see. What are the main elements in the image and what impact do they have on you as a viewer?

6. What are the main elements of this image? Describe the impact they have on you.

7. The photograph shows a group of young Lebanese people driving through a South Beirut neighbourhood devastated by Israeli bombings. The picture was taken on 15 August 2006.

8. Composition Examine how the main elements of the image are arranged and how this arrangement affects your responses. Which elements are the largest? Which elements are in the background? What is in the middle of the frame? The elements in the middle of the frame often seem more important than the others.

9. The Rule of Thirds Elements that are placed at or near the four ‘intersections’ seem to be more important than others in the frame. Elements placed far from these points seem less important. Leading lines The eye is drawn towards the shapes that are most important in the image

13. Juxtaposition This is the study of the relation of one image to another. The way we interpret different elements of an image depends not only on the elements themselves, but on their meaning in relation to each other. How does the juxtaposition of the following two images convey ideas about women?

15. Lighting The way light is used in an image may result in some elements being highlighted and others being cast in shadow and made less important.

16. Symbolism The objects depicted may have symbolic meanings as well as functional meanings.

17. Costume and make-up Uniforms bestow authority and power. Clothing can indicate a particular social group or class.

18. Props Look for Symbolic values This poster was produced by the Salvation Army. It was designed to promote the value of friendship.

19. Body Language

20. Gestures

21. Facial expression and gaze

22. Camera Angle

23. Camera distance

24. Overall effect Consider the representation conveyed. This means: what particular portrayal of the subject is constructed? Example: What are the two representations of Hitler conveyed on the next slide?

26. More information… Read the notes on visual language provided. They will give you more detail about how the elements of still images work together to convey representations.