1. A photograph is like a puzzle
A photograph is like a puzzle. Each of its pieces help to make the whole. To be able to understand the message or theme of a photograph, one must understand the pieces or the elements of the puzzle.
Visual Elements to look for in a photograph:
Color
Perspective
Frame
Light & Shade
Juxtaposition
Form/Shape
Line
Texture
Pattern
Motion
Subject (objects, people, etc.)

2. Is it symbolic that the tulip is yellow and the rest of the photograph
Colour
Colour is used to create mood, to contrast, and to emphasize. Also, you should consider the symbolism of different colors.
Is it symbolic that the tulip is yellow and the rest of the photograph
is in black and white with bars?

3. What is the possible meaning of the blue background here?

4. Colour Dictionary
These are some of the possible symbolic meanings for colours. Remember, the context determines the specific meaning.
Black – evil, mourning, death, witchcraft, loss, depression, despair
White – innocence, good, holiness, love, redemption, surrender, friendship
Green – envy, evil, trickery, growth, renewal, life, nature
Red – war, anger, blood, vengeance, love, passion, sex, male
Blue – sadness, spirit, intellect, water, cool, truth, transparency, loyalty, fidelity, female
Yellow – sun, happiness, cowardice, betrayal
Purple – royalty, power, justice, truth, God, passion
Brown – earth, spiritual death, ordinary
Grey – depression, humility, age, lack of emotion or vitality, death of body

5. Remember, black and white can be symbolic as well
Remember, black and white can be symbolic as well. What role does the lack of colour play in this photograph?

6. Perspective
When you analyze a photograph, be sure to consider the camera angle or perspective. Where was the photographer standing when he/she took the picture? How does that angle or perspective influence the meaning of the photograph?
If the viewer is looking down on the subject, it may indicate that the subject is vulnerable or inferior.
If the viewer is looking up to the subject, it may illustrate that the subject is powerful or superior.

7. What is the effect of the camera angle or perspective in this photograph?

8. Also, when considering perspective, you should look at what is in the foreground and what is in the background. Is there a contrast between the two items? Is one meant to be more prominent or important than the other? Why? Consider this picture.

9. Frame
In a photograph, an object may be surrounded or framed by a color or another object, etc. Explain the suggestion behind the framing.

10. What is the family framed with in this photograph? Why?

11. Consider frame in this photograph:

12. LIGHT and SHADE Similar to colour, you should consider
in a photograph.
LIGHT and SHADE
If the lighting is dark or shady, it may create a dark or
ominous mood.
If the lighting is bright, it may create a cheerful mood.
Light may also be symbolic for hope, innocence, joy, etc.

13. Consider where the light is and where the shade is in this photograph
Consider where the light is and where the shade is in this photograph. What is the meaning behind this lighting?

14. Make a comment on the lighting and shading in this photograph.

15. Juxtaposition
Photographers may place different subjects side by side to show similarities or contrast. Consider how the different objects within the photograph play off of each other.

16. What is juxtaposed in this photograph?

17. What is juxtaposed in this photograph?

18. Form and Shape
Consider the form and shape of the subjects in the photograph. Round shapes are more pleasing and may enhance an object or motion, while jagged shapes may make an object seem undesirable.

19. Consider the form and shape in this photograph
Consider the form and shape in this photograph. Guess what this object is?

20. Make a comment on the role of form and shape in this photograph.

21. Make a comment on the role of form and shape in this photograph.

22. Pay attention to the lines in the photograph.
Thin lines may make an object seem delicate, weak or vulnerable.
Thick lines may make an object seem heavy, strong or full.
Line
Line

23. Consider the LINES in this photograph
Consider the LINES in this photograph. Guess what this is a photograph of?

24. Comment on the lines in this painting.

25. TEXTURE
The texture of an object affects the way it is perceived as well. Do the objects have texture? Are the surfaces smooth or rough? How does that affect the message of the photograph?

26. Consider the texture in these photographs.

27. Pattern Is there any color, shape or object
repeated in a pattern in the photograph?
Why?

28. Consider the pattern or repetition in this photograph.

29. Again, consider pattern and/or repetition here.

30. Motion
Through busy lines, positioning and sequencing, objects may appear to move in a still photograph. How does the appearance of motion play a part in the overall message of the composition?

31. How is motion shown in this photograph? What is the effect?
Randy Johnson

32. How is motion shown in this photograph?
What is the effect?

33. Subject Look at the people and objects in the photograph. Consider:
Clothing
Facial Expression
Body Posture/Language
Actions – What is he/she doing? Why? What does it represent?

34. Reflect on the clothing, facial expression and body language shown in this photograph.

35. ? Review! Try to recall the 11 elements we’ve discussed.
Visual Elements to look for in a photograph: C P F L J T M S

36. What idea or theme does the photograph convey?
Once you have analyzed the elements or the pieces of the puzzle, you need to pull the pieces back together.
What idea or theme does the photograph convey?

37. The idea or theme should be able to be captured with one word and then expanded. The following is a list of possible themes:
Alienation Freedom Belonging
Loneliness Individuality Surrender
Isolation Illusion Escape
Adversity Identity Conformity
Challenge Authority Tradition
Adventure Acceptance Loyalty

38. Choose a theme for this photograph:
This photograph conveys the theme of belonging.

39. Then expand that word into a statement that captures the message of the photograph:
This photograph illustrates the importance of belonging.
Children need to feel supported and encouraged by elders in order to feel safe and connected.

40. Several themes will work for any one photograph.
This photograph conveys the significance of culture.
When wisdom and culture gained from one’s life experiences are passed down to future generations, society continues to grow.

41. Once you have made a statement of theme, you are expected to support it. In other words, you have to prove that the elements of that photograph support that theme.
IDEA: This photograph conveys the significance of culture. When wisdom and culture gained from one’s life experiences are passed down to future generations, society continues to grow.
PROOF: The grandmother and granddaughter are holding hands in the photograph. This suggests that they are connected, that the grandmother is guiding or leading the young girl. (Subject – body language.) Also, the grandmother is looking down to the girl which represents that she is passing down her culture and knowledge. (Subject – body language) The baskets they are wearing bear the same symbol. This, too, symbolizes that the culture is being preserved and passed on. Also, it suggests that the child is imitating her elders and desires to grow and learn. (Pattern) Although the photograph is black and white, it does not create a dreary mood. In fact, both women seem to be smiling, suggesting that they feel joy and encouragement from one another. Perhaps the black and white colours in the photograph suggest timelessness or the cycle of life. By investing in future generations, tradition remains timeless. (Colour)

42. Practice writing a theme statement for this photograph.

43. Now, choose 3 elements and explain how they prove or support that idea!

44. More practice!