ANALYSING PHOTOGRAPHS
looking at the work of other photographers and makeing a responce both visually critically is a key part of the photography course. You must be able to demonstrate a analytical and critical understanding of their work.
What
What can be found in the composition
What is the main focal point drawing your attention
What types of shapes can be spotted in the image
What selection of colours and textures are in the photograph
What contrasts or similarities can be seen
Why
Why has the photographer hidden details?
Why are there blurred areas?Why would a sinister and dark mood be created?
Why has the colour saturation been enhanced?
Why was the shot captured in black and white with high contrast?
Why has the attention been drawn to one object / person
Why has the specific location been chosen
How
How has the exposure time been controlled?
How has the photographer positioned the direction of lights?
How has the image been manipulated?
How has the symmetry or pattern been used?
How has the photographer positioned their veiwpoint?
How is the artificial or natural light used effectively?
How has the focus been defined?
Links
Links with high colour saturated portraits by Martin Parr, William Eggleston, David Lachapelle
Links with use of one colour tone in works by Boris Mikhailov, Anna Atkins, Andy Warhol
Links with humorous portraits by Murdo Macleod, Seamus Ryan,Elliott Erwitt
Links with shots using text by Gillian Wearing, Barbara Kruger, Zhang Huan,
Links to blurred motion imagesby Francis Giacobetti, Otto Steinert, Catherine Yass
Links to Close up images of natural forms by Karl Blosfeldt, Bill Brandt, Georgia O'Keefe
Links with dreamlike imagery by Jerry Uelsmann, Man Ray, Duane Michals,
Links with figures in sharp movement by Muybridge, Philippe Halsman, Seamus Ryan
Links with body paint/make up shots by Rankin, Cindy Sherman, Roni Horn
Own ideas
What
What can be found in the composition
What is the main focal point drawing your attention
What types of shapes can be spotted in the image
What selection of colours and textures are in the photograph
What contrasts or similarities can be seen
Why
Why has the photographer hidden details?
Why are there blurred areas?Why would a sinister and dark mood be created?
Why has the colour saturation been enhanced?
Why was the shot captured in black and white with high contrast?
Why has the attention been drawn to one object / person
Why has the specific location been chosen
How
How has the exposure time been controlled?
How has the photographer positioned the direction of lights?
How has the image been manipulated?
How has the symmetry or pattern been used?
How has the photographer positioned their veiwpoint?
How is the artificial or natural light used effectively?
How has the focus been defined?
Links
Links with high colour saturated portraits by Martin Parr, William Eggleston, David Lachapelle
Links with use of one colour tone in works by Boris Mikhailov, Anna Atkins, Andy Warhol
Links with humorous portraits by Murdo Macleod, Seamus Ryan,Elliott Erwitt
Links with shots using text by Gillian Wearing, Barbara Kruger, Zhang Huan,
Links to blurred motion imagesby Francis Giacobetti, Otto Steinert, Catherine Yass
Links to Close up images of natural forms by Karl Blosfeldt, Bill Brandt, Georgia O'Keefe
Links with dreamlike imagery by Jerry Uelsmann, Man Ray, Duane Michals,
Links with figures in sharp movement by Muybridge, Philippe Halsman, Seamus Ryan
Links with body paint/make up shots by Rankin, Cindy Sherman, Roni Horn
Own ideas