How to ‘properly’ view STILL IMAGES English Language Arts

Characteristics of Still Images Still images provide representations of reality. Some are realistic, imitating the way the world actually looks. Others provide imaginative interpretations of the world so viewers can see something in a new way.

All still images can be analysed in terms of the same design elements, such as line, shape, and colour. Different techniques, however, are associated with different kinds of still images. Characteristics of Still Images

Important Definitions Composition – the arrangement of visual elements within a picture. Focal point – the area in a picture where the eye is immediately drawn.

Viewing Still Images Identify the purpose of the visual and the genre (ad, photograph, poster, etc.) to which it belongs. Is the artist trying to appeal to your feelings, your senses, your intellect? Read any text accompanying your work – captions, titles, explanatory notes, etc. This can yield valuable information. The title of the work may tell you something about its intended message. How does the text contribute to the meaning of the work?

How to write a Visual Reflection Reflect on the image by brainstorming: 5 W’s who what when where why how

(and the symbols behind them) COLOURS

WHITE~ purity, snow, peace, innocence, cleanliness, simplicity

RED~ Passion, strength, energy, fire, love, arrogance, danger, blood, and war

BLUE~ Seas, skies, peace, unity, harmony, tranquility, calmness, coolness, confidence, loyalty, royalty, and nobility

GREEN~ Nature, spring, fertility, youth, environment, wealth, good luck, and envy

YELLOW~ Sunlight, joy, happiness, earth, optimism, intelligence, summer, and hope

PURPLE~ Envy, sensuality, spirituality, creativity, wealth, royalty, and nobility

ORANGE~ energy, balance, heat, fire, enthusiasm, and autumn

BROWN~ Calm, depth, natural organisms, nature, richness, dirt, dullness, and filth

BLACK~ mysterious, sophisticated; gloomy and threatening

How to write a Visual Reflection  Spend time examining the photo closely – any details are there on purpose  Read the assignment closely  What ideas and impressions does the photograph communicate to you?

How to write a Visual Reflection  Select a prose form What is prose? Anything but poetry – brainstorm a list = letter, memoir, essay, journal entry, speech, story, travel journal entry, screen play, eulogy  Discuss ideas and impressions that are important to you  Respond critically, personally or creatively  Looking for a unifying effect (an idea that you come up with and explain)  Find something to say about the picture and then discuss it

How to write a Visual Reflection Ideas (Can you prove it? Can you support it with detail?) Beginning Thesis Body Prove thesis with details Conclusion

How to write a Visual Reflection Something needs to happen Don’t make too much happen Focus on the picture and the moment Find balance to your stories (beginning, middle, end) If you write a letter or speech or journal entry, remember to start it appropriately and finish it too Write about your feelings regarding whatever it is that you are writing about Edit for missing words Be specific, describe things in detail Write in complete sentences Don’t be too short or too long Double space Make it believable

All images obtained from “google images” via public domain