Thirteen Ways to Look at a Black and White Photograph by Ryan Jerving College Prep Writing English 101

Overview Jerving suggests the following 13 ways to look at a photograph when beginning a critical analysis. The list, as the author admits, is certainly not exhaustive. It is also important to note that these elements may have different significance depending on the image. Use this guide as a starting point to help you interpret and write about visual images.

Cropping The artist decides what is included or excluded Frames the reality of the image Why were the choices made? How do they impact the meaning? Cropped image Original

Visual Cues How the eye is directed through the painting Use focus, color, rule of thirds, z-pattern, visual pointers, etc.

Aesthetics Creating art beyond the fact Beauty and a message Go beyond freezing a moment in time Use artistic approach to create emotional meaning

Characterization The environment surrounding the character Implies social connection to the world Subject’s relationship with environment

Costume Dress and appearance Existing objects in the images--props Can suggest social status, ethnicity, occupation, religion…

Framing How the subjects are positioned relative to one another Centered, isolated, visually balanced…? Use these element to create meaning and establish relationships

Camera Distance How far or near the camera is to the subject Importance often given to the percentage of frame the subject occupies Long shot emphasize surroundings Close shots emphasize individuals

Camera Angle Camera location high versus low angle Impact’s viewers’ perception of the meaning Creates a relationship between viewer and subject Can indicate power or vulnerability

Lighting Artists use light to create mood Creates expression

Camera’s presence Subject’s awareness of camera May be third person perspective Sometimes acts as first person narrator Subject’s attitude toward camera can reveal what is being represented

Genre The type of image: news, landscape, portrait, still life, nature photography, art pictures… May engage viewer stereotypes the impact perception

Representing representation Photographer examines other visual representations Compares and contrast two visions of the image

Photos in their institutional place Where and how a photo is viewed impacts our creation of meaning Context helps understanding and meaning creation Image size, location, viewing situation

Other Element to Consider Color Symmetry Movement Lines Background versus foreground Focus Tension

Other elements… Color

Symmetry

Movement

Focus Background & Foreground

Tension

Line