Analysing Visual Language

PHOTOGRAPHS
There is much truth in the adage a picture is worth a thousand words. Just as text is read, so photos can be read or interpreted. The size, position of the subject in the frame, proximity to the camera, the light, the angle of the shot, the colour all contribute to the meaning. Photographs may give the impression of truth (the camera never lies), but they are by no means objective; they are consciously set up highly constructed and sometimes even staged. With technological advances, photos can now be digitally manipulated in order to present a subject in a particular way; darkened or brightened, colours altered and cropped to eliminate parts of the image. Photographs are used to: grab readers attention set a scene economically create a sense of immediacy convey/create atmosphere or mood present or support a particular viewpoint

Photographs are often used to help communicate a point of view because they are typically more immediate or visually arresting than verbal language.

Some visual language to consider: Body language: What does the subjects stance convey about them? What messages are conveyed by the facial expression? Position of the camera: To make something look powerful and commanding, the camera is positioned below the subject, looking upwards (low angle). To make something look weak or defenceless, the camera is positioned above the subject, looking downwards (high angle). Lighting: bright colours often convey a sense of fun and happiness. Dull colours convey gloom and sadness. Colours: These are also significant. For example, red can communicate danger, while white is a symbol of purity.

Photograph Analysis
The following questions provide a guide for analysing a photograph:
1. Is the photo biased towards a particular point of view? 2. What caption accompanies the photo? 3. Is there any verbal persuasive language in the image itself? 4. What are the elements in the photo that grab the readers attention? 5. What is the tone of the photograph? (Does it create a particular mood?) 6. What visual language is being used to position readers? How? Composition and Framing What elements in the frame is the readers attention drawn to? Why? Does it emphasise any particular feature or aspect of the subject? What is in the foreground and background? Colour What colours dominate? Is it in black and white? Light Is the lighting bright or dull? What is the effect? Does it create mood? Subject and Objects Where are they positioned in the frame? Analyse body language and facial expressions. Cropping Have parts of the image been excluded?