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

2. 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.

3. 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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Lighting
Artists use light to create mood
Creates expression

12. 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

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

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

15. 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

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

17. Other elements…
Color

18. Symmetry

19. Movement

20. Focus
Background & Foreground

21. Tension

22. Line