Visual communication and Visual analysis
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This document provides guidance on analyzing images using multiple perspectives. It outlines 18 approaches for analyzing different aspects of an image, including the personal, historical, technical, cultural and ethical contexts. It emphasizes starting with making a detailed inventory of all visual elements, then studying compositional elements, visual cues, gestalt laws, semiotic signs and codes, and cognitive processes used. The goal is to move from subjective to objective analysis by considering the purpose of the image, its aesthetics, and societal impacts conveyed through symbols. A reasoned opinion can then be formed based on the information learned from a close study.
Visual communication and Visual analysis
- 1. “Everything looked at closely is full of wonder.” Jacob Grimm, 1785–1863 Philosopher, Jurist, Author
- 2. Prepared by Danielle Oser, APR
- 5. “Analysis reveals the person making the analysis, not really the piece itself” Many analytical methods have been created throughout history
- 7. John Berger, Ways of Seeing An image must be seen analyzed within its presentational context
- 8. 8 ways to analyze images From the book Small World: An Academic Romance Production Content Functional Expressional Figurative Rhetorical Societal Comparative
- 9. Personal Historical Technical Ethical Cultural Critical The goal in using the six perspectives for analysis is to move from subjective to objective reactions.
- 10. Make an inventory list of everything you see Notice the compositional elements and lighting Study the use of visual cues Look a the gestalt laws Identify the semiotic sign types Note the semiotic codes See how the cognitive elements work What is the purpose of the image What are the image aesthetics
- 12. For any visual analysis, the first step should be to make an inventory list of everything you see
- 13. Notice the compositional elements, lighting, camera angles How do individual parts contribute to or distract from the picture as a whole?
- 14. Study the use of visual cues Form? Depth? Movement? Color? Light sources? Eyes?
- 18. Memory? Projection? Expectation? Selectivity? Habituation? Salience? Dissonance? Culture? Words?
- 19. What is the purpose of the image? Art? News? Scientific? Personal? Where was the image made?
- 20. What are the image aesthetics? Formal or creative elements? Want to see more by the creator?
- 22. Initial Gut Reaction Do you like it or not? Memorable?
- 23. The image's Ask yourself: When do you think the image was made? Developments going on at the time? Is there a specific style that the image imitates?
- 24. How is it possible to see it? How was the image produced? Camera Settings? What techniques were employed? Is the image of good quality?
- 25. How are six philosophies used?
- 26. Do not add to grief Individual should be as humane as possible and never harm others through invasive action “Love your neighbor as yourself”
- 27. Personal Gain (Think Paparazzi) Live for today Ethical philosophy that is applied when the focus is on pleasure
- 28. Compromise Compromise is chosen between two extremes Philosophy applied when the choice is made to run a small school photo of a victim instead of no picture or a large color picture on the front page
- 29. A rule is followed Immanuel Kant developed the philosophy. Philosophy applied when a photographer chooses to take a picture whether or not a news outlet will use it is
- 30. Greater good wins Jeremy Bentham and John Mill developed the utilitarian philosophy People do not have a moral right to be sheltered from sad news Does a photo of an accident disturb or persuade others to drive more carefully
- 31. Empathy Most recently developed ethical philosophy Philosophy that is applied when a photo is run because it might remind the viewer of their own loved ones and feel a connection
- 32. Societal Impact - What is learned from symbols? What is the story and the symbolism involved with the elements in the visual message? What do they say about current cultural values? Metaphors?
- 33. Reasoned Opinion - What do you think of it now? Can you make general conclusions based on the information learned? What do I think of this image now that you've spent so much time looking and studying it? .
- 34. Many large lessons are lost because of a failure to study small, captured moments