ANALYSING PHOTOGRAPHS
Basic Vocabulary for Discussing
Photography
Abstract: An
image
emphasizing
formal
elements
such as line
and shape
rather than
particular,
recognizable
objects.
Content:
The subject, topic, or
information in the image.
Direct approach:
Capturing an image of a
scene in a straightforward
way without using distortion
or unusual angles.
Documentary
photography:
Photographs where the
main purpose is to record a
place, person(s), or event.
Expressive:
Photographs intended to
communicate emotion.
Geometric shape:
Simple shapes found in
geometry such as circles,
squares, rectangles,
triangles, and so on.
Intention:
The reason(s) why the
photographer made the
image.
Landscape:
A photograph of the natural
environment.
Objective:
A point of view that
attempts to limit personal
bias, considering all
information with equal
regard and fairness.
Organic shape:
Shapes that are based on
objects in nature such as
tree, mountains, leaves,
and so on.
Representational:
A photograph showing
recognisable objects.
Subject:
The main object or
person(s) in a photograph.
Theme:
A central or unifying aspect
in a body of work or
collection of works.
VISUAL ELEMENTS
Focus:
Areas that appear clear
and sharp (in contrast to
areas that do not).
Line
Objects in photographs can
sometimes act as lines.
They may be used to
establish outline, direction,
movement, and energy.
Lines can be, for example,
straight, curvy, thick, or
thin.
Light:
Areas of brightness and
shadow. Light can be used
to suggest time of day.
Light may be artificial or
natural, harsh or soft,
reflected or direct.
Repetition:
Objects, shapes, lines etc.
that repeat and create a
pattern.
Shape:
See above – geometric
shape and organic shape.
When you look at an
image, is the geometric or
organic dominant?
Space:
This is an aspect of an
image's composition.
Photographs can suggest
depth, or they may appear
shallow (and you might
consider how this is
established; sometimes this
is created by special
illusion). In addition space
can be both positive (areas
that attract most attention)
and negative (the emptier
areas).
Texture:
This is about the quality of
‘feel’ in the photograph; if
you could touch an image,
what would it feel like?
Value:
This is a quality of light. In
considering an image, you
might ask if it suggests a
range of tones from light to
dark. Where are the lightest
and darkest values?
Angle:
This is the vantage point
from where a photograph
was taken. It is often used
when discussing images
taken from an unusual or
exaggerated vantage point.
Background:
This is the part of an image
that seems to be towards
the back.
Balance:
This refers to the
distribution of visual
elements. Symmetrical
balance distributes visual
elements evenly in an
image. Asymmetrical
balance distributes visual
elements unevenly.
Central focus:
This refers to the object(s)
that seem most prominently
or clearly focused in a
photograph
Composition:
This is the arrangement or
structuring of formal
elements that make up an
image.
Contour:
The outline of an object or
shape.
Contrast:
Significant visual
differences between light
and dark, varying textures,
sizes, and so on.
Framing:
What the photographer has
placed within the
boundaries of the
photograph.
Setting:
This is the actual physical
surrounding or scenery
whether real or artificially
constructed.
Vantage point:
The place or position from
which the photographer
takes a photograph.
She is a portrait Rachel Baran
photographer who
photographs people in
a surreal, unusual way.
The atmosphere other
worldly. The dull
colours and
the contrasting figure
create a calm atmosphere,
but the swooping
dress and position of the
body suggests more going
on, perhaps the way the
person in the picture
is feeling. The artist
uses negative
space and balance to draw
attention to the figure, and
the contrast between
Your task is to write a paragraph about the work of your chosen photographers to anaylse the way they photograph your chosen subject. You
should include:
- 3 photographs of their figure photographs (not photos of the artist!).
- key information about their work from the things you have read about (not the photographer but the work itself)
- Your own observations of the photography techniques and formal elements that you see - eg. how does the photographer use
composition, lighting, line, shape, tone etc?
- What you think the work is about - what does the photographer want you to think about? What might the meaning behind the work be?
- Your opinion and explanation of how you will take inspiration from their work.
https://www.slideshare.net/Jaskirt/how-to-analyse-photography-work
https://www.guillenphoto.com/en/the-contextualization-is-an-important-step-to-analyze-a-photograph.html
LET’S ANALYZE THIS
