Reading a Photograph or a Picture

Objects

shapes and figures which
could be people, animals,
places or objects. An object
can be used through a number
of ways for shortcuts in a
message but relies on the
understanding of the symbol
and it's usage.

Settings

Have symbolic significance and
influence our response to a photograph.
This includes: dry, soft, sharp, green,
rural, etc, etc.

Position

the placing pof objects, shapes, and
figures in photographs in which gives
meaning.

Angle

Where the photographer has placed
something or someone in the photo
and from which angel are they taking
the photo.
High angle shot: shows dominance
Low angle shot: shows submission of the
object being viewed.

Body Language

Pose/Posture, gesture and
facial expression all tell the
emotion of our thoughts and
our feelings.

Size

When it comes to size, large objects are
usually spotted in the foreground/where in
plain sight. Whereas small objects are within
the background and are considered as a low
priority.

Colour

White; means innocence, Black; denotes death
in some cultures.
Hindu people mourn in the colour of white, whilst
marrying in red.
Colour usually represents stereotypes for maleness
and femininity.

Direction

The way of which the
objects, figures, people,
animal, etc are facing

Light

Various lighting effects/colours provide meaning.
Example: soft, yellow light or back lighting creates
a halo effect and may suggest innocence.

Clothing

Reflects our personality and can also be a
symbol or period, culture and status