Analyzing Photographs.

Analyzing Photographs.

1. 1- Visual.

   • Objective.
     • Begin by discussing the elements.
       • For example: In this black and white photo, three men stand in front of a tent.

2. 2- Reflection.

   • Subjective.
     • Different viewers will react to the same photo in different ways.
       • For example: I think there is a sense of loneliness in Lincoln´s face.

3. 3- Formal analysis.

   • Elements of art.
     • Line: lines can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. Straight or curve. Thin or thick. Artist´s ways of expressing individual style.
     • Shape: closed lines. Geometric (squares, circles, etc) or Organic (free form). Different feelings and association in different viewers.
     • Form: three dimensional shapes. Balls, cylinders, boxes, etc.
     • Texture: surface quality that can be seen and felt. Stimulates other senses. Engage viewers sense of touch. Use of shapes to create textures.
     • Value: different tones of the same color. It can be made by adding black or white to a color.
     • Color: some artists personalize their painting by creating their very unique shape of some certain color. Colors can be warm or cool. Viewers associate feelings in colors and have their own interpretation.
     • Space: there is a positive and a negative space. The area between and around objects.
   • A very good place to start a formal analysis is by deciding which subject matter are most strongly represented.
   • Principal of designs.
     • Balance: distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture and space.
     • Emphasis: part of the design tht catches the viewer´s attention.
     • Movement: is the path the viewer´s eye takes through the work of art.
     • Pattern: in the repeating of an object or symbol.
     • Repetition: works with the pattern to make the work of art seem active.
     • Proportion: is the feeling of unity created when all the parts relate well with each other.
     • Rhythm: is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create feeling of organized movement.
     • Variety: use of several elements of design to hold the viewer´s attention.
     • Unity: the feeling of harmony between all the parts of the work of art.