Elements of the Language of Photography Deconstructing Photography

Light defining element of photography literally brings the photograph to life often, photographers are inspired to create a photograph because the light is so lovely, casting on the subject a quality uniquely rendered by film

Light: Questions to Consider Is the light natural or artificial? How does the type of lighting affect the look of the image? Is the lighting coming from above, below, or the side? At what angle? Are there any shadows? Does the direction of the light create an effect of dimension? Is the light soft or hard? Are the shadows thin or thick? Do light and shadow make a pattern? What effect does contrast have on the photo? Where are the shadows? What kind of effect and mood do the light and shadow create?

Focus: Definition Means center of attention created by both the focus and aperture controls on the camera

Focus: Questions to Consider What can you see clearly in the picture? What is unclear? How does focus capture our attention? Can sharp focus capture our attention as well as blurry focus can? As a result of focus, does the subject gain or lose significance? Does the subject seem realistic or idealized?

Focus: Sample Photographs

Motion: Defintion Motion can appear frozen in time and space or described through blur. aperture and shutter control The shutter operates like an eye Light exposure creates different motion effects in a photograph

Motion: Questions to Consider How do we perceive motion in a photograph? What makes motion sensitive photographs so impactful?

Motion - Sample Photographs

Point of View: Defintion Point of view is the photographer's stance; both in terms of how the photographer is positioned and how the photographer views the subject

Questions: Point of View Where was the photographer when he or she took the picture? Was the photographer standing or crouching or lying on the ground? Did the photographer tilt the camera or keep it parallel to the horizon? How does the vantage point affect the way you look at the resulting picture? Did the photographer take the picture from above, below, or the side?

Analysis: The photographer is low possibly lying near the tree. The show is a low shot is parallel to the horizon. This shot shows the vastness of this dead tree and shows that the photographer appreciates the dead tree by taking a photo of it.

Analysis: This shot is taken from a high view. The photographer is probably on top or near the top of the mountain and taking a shot downward. The camera in this shot is also parallel to the horizon. He loves the beauty of nature by taking a picture and this scene gives you a sense of serenity by being a piece of nature.

Analysis: The photographer in this picture is with the rest of the crowd in this group skydive. He's probalby falling down with the rest of the croup and is taken straight at them. The camera angle is parallel with the horizon and he likes the skydivers since he is also skydiving with them. You get a feeling of awe since the shot taken upside down.

Analysis: This is a profile shot, meaning it is taken from the side. The photographer was naturally to the side of George Bush and the photograph is slightly below the subject. The camera was parallele to the horizon and because the pictures is taken from the side, it makes your eye look to where George Bush is looking and gives the perception that he is looking to hte future.

Framing: Definition In terms of content, framing is like a point of view. It presents the photographer's frame of reference with regard to the subject Affects composition because your eye follows the visual movement created by lines, shapes and angles in the picture Info in frame determines how we read the picture, like how clues lead to the solution of a mystery

Framing: Questions to Consider What is included in the frame, and what is excluded? How can you create images by framing? How does the relationship of the forms changes as you move the frame to different places and tilt it at different angles? When does the forms come to a point of harmony or look interesting to you?

Framing: Examples

Cropping: Definition Exclusion of certain elements or portions of the subject, foreground or background The make sense of the image, viewers don't need to see the whole person or object because there is enough information to imagine the rest beyond the frame Calls attention to the fact that you are looking at an artist's selection of a scene Can add dynamism (energy/dynamic qualities) to the composition or make the photographic statement more concise If it is done wrong, we may wonder what's missing, why it looks awkward and the message is unclear

Cropping: Questions to Consider What effect does cropping have on the graphic composition of the image? How does cropping help draw attention to what the photograph is saying? How does cropping affect your perception of the subject?

Cropping: Examples

Background: Definition creates a context for the photograph it can be a color, blurry shape, or highly detailed scene background provides valuable information on how to interpret the photograph

Background: Questions to Consider What do you see in the background? Is it connected to the main image or disconnented? Are there a lot of details? How does the background connect to the subject? How does the background add to or detract from the dominant image?

Background: Examples

Shape: Definition Shapes are definite forms created by objects, figures, and shadows Rendered in colors or shades of gray S-Curve: there is a curve in the image that leads you through the entire image, causing the viewer to slow down and take in the entire image

Shape: Questions to Consider Can you find different shapes in the image? Look for circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, and organic forms. Look in the shadows for more shapes and echoes of shapes. Think about how the shapes in the image create balance and structure.

Examples of Shape (S-Curve)

Line: Definition Lines are the borders between shapes Leading lines- lines that lead the eye into the Frame rather than out of it Lines Should lead to the main point of interest

Line: Questions to Consider Do the lines have a calming, activating or unifying effect on the picture? What qualities do the lines have? How does photography differ from drawing or painting in terms of line and shape?

Line

Angle: Definition Angles draw our attention in certain directions Images can often be enhanced or changed based on the angle of the camera

Angles: Questions to Consider What angles does the intersection of lines create? What do the angles lead your eyes toward? Do they draw your attention in or out of the frame? How is the viewer (dis)connected to the image?

Angles

Angles: Examples

Color and Tone: Definition Color and tones are an important aspect of a photo. They can make a photo change the viewers opinion based on the color and tones of the photo. Color: is the actual color of something, it's either blue or red or any color of the rainbow. Tone: is how much that color is that color, for example, the amount of hue a color has.

Color and Tone: Questions to consider What colors are used in the picture? What colors are used in the focal point? How many different colors are used? How do the different colors work together in the picture? How do the colors make the observer feel? How do the different color tones add to the mood of the picture?

Color and Tone Example

Pattern: Definition A pattern is a repeated decorative design. very nice. Patterns can include shapes and any design that can be repeated.

Pattern: Questions to Consider What kind of pattern is used? How does the pattern add to the picture? How does the pattern affect the mood of the picture? What does the pattern emphasize?

Sample Photograph 1

Sample Photograph 2

Rule of Thirds: Definition The basis for an “interesting” and a blanaced shot - remember rules can be broken, especially in the arts. The basic principle is to break the image up into thirds both horizontally and vertically

Rule of Thirds (cont) The theory is to place points of interest along the grid lines. The viewer would then interact (or view) the picture more naturally. People are drawn to the same area in a photo. Using the rule of thirds is a natural way of viewing rather than working against nature

Rule of Thirds Example

What elements do you see in this photograph? Comment on at least 4.

Your Analysis: ASSIGNMENT Now, with a partner or on your own you are going to analyze a war photo from Afghanistan. Once you have your assigned photo, fill out the paper with at least two comments in each box. For some photos you may need to have more than two comments. Be ready to present your analysis and understanding to the class.