Photo Analysis Free Sample
The analysis of an image or a photo is all about visual deductions of information and impressions communicated by an image or photo. The following is an analysis of a Personal photograph. The analysis presents the distinct characteristics of the photograph while seeking to answer a number of questions and at the same time relating the photo analysis to external ideas and principles of image analysis and appreciation.
As expected, the first approach to image analysis involves observation of the photographic image to obtain a general appreciation of the photograph after which individual aspects of the photo are considered. In this case, on general observation of the photo, a number of visual components are visible. To begin with, on the foreground there is an image of myself wearing a bright yellow polo t-shirt. From the image, it is evident that the camera captured me looking straight into the camera. On the background of the photo, there are a number of features that indicate that the photo entails the inside a kitchen. The background features include a wall kitchen cabinet and a partially visible cabinet placed on the floor on the left side. Part of the brown painted wall not obscured by the cabinets and other objects in the photo is also visible including a white clip or hook stuck on the visible part of the wall. Still on the background and on the right side of the photo, there is a white fridge with water bottles and a few tins place on top of it. There is also a glass jar and a few items placed behind it still on top of the fridge.
Upon observation of the photo and the visual components of the photo, the next logical step involves drawing inference or simply appreciating the photo in relation to the visual aspects and components there in. The visual appreciation of the photo also helps answer the questions as to why I see what I see on the photo and why the photo image looks as it looks. To start with, from the photo, one is able to appreciate a sense of depth whereby some of the visual components of the photo appear on the foreground while others remain in the background meaning that some are in front while others behind them. Additionally, the aspects of depth and symmetrical balance in the photo clearly indicate that my image is the central and key component of the photo. This aspect is also evident from the fact that some of the visual components of the photo are partially visible. The photographer’s choice of framing also explains the above questions in that one is only able to view the sections of the images framed within the boundaries of the photo as in the case of the partially visible fridge (Fouro, 2008). The contrasting features of the photo also dictate what one sees on an image as well as how they look on the image. For instance, the contrast between the bright yellow color and the rest of the image makes my image stand out compared to the rest of the image components. The brown wall also contrasts with the white kitchen cabinet and thus more visibility of both features in the photo (Ball & Smith, 1992).
Relating the photo to Roland Barthes’s distinction on the concepts of studium and punctum, a higher level of image appreciation comes to place. According to Roland, stadium and punctum are two important aspects involved in image or photo analysis (Strawberry, 2013). Holland asserts that studium is a form of knowledge or civility that allows one to appreciate the intention of the photographer or creator of an image. It is this aspect (stadium) that triggers interest in a photo or image based on the appreciation of the intention of the photographer. Studium therefore involves the extraction of historical, social, and cultural meanings from photos and images as intended by the creators. Punctum on the other hand relates to the datails or features of an image or photograph that stand out to initiate a deep sense of meaning and appreciation of the image or photo and is yet unique to the viewer (Strawberry, 2013). Application of this two principles or distinctions to the appreciation of the photo in considerations further develops the appreciation process. In the case of the stadium, there is a better appreciate of the the photo in the sense of the time and situation of capturing the photo in that I am reminded of the photographer and the context of the photographing exercise. On the other hand, the punctum effect comes in respect to the family memories associated with the kitchen. More importantly, the visible letter z on the fridge door reminds me of the stickers that my siblings and me strived to stick on the fridge door at the behest of my mother. The memories seam to endear me to the photo in a rather emotional form of photo appreciation.
The arising issues of memories and family albums, in relation to the puctum effect and Hollands discussion of family photographs, the principle of appreciating a photo in terms of what we see and do not see also came alive. In the case of Holland just as in mine, the memories brought about by viewing the pictures of his family and old life triggered a punctum effect that made him want to go back to his old life. In essence, he was able to appreciate the picture in terms of aspects that were not visible. In the same breath, looking at the picture reminded me of fond memories and pictures of my family in the same picture setting. Additionally, from memory I can make up the complete images of the partially visible parts of the photo and thus appreciating the picture in terms of what I do not see in the photo.
References
Ball, M. S., & Smith, G. W. (1992). Analyzing Visual Data. New York: AGE.
Fouro. (2008, April 19). How to analyze and critique a photo. Retrieved Septemnber 29, 2013, from Devian Art:
Strawberry. (2013, March 12). Meseum of Education. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from ROLAND BARTHES: STUDIUM AND PUNCTUM: