How to ‘properly’ view STILL IMAGESEnglish Language Arts

Characteristics of Still ImagesStill images provide representations of reality. Some are realistic, imitating the way the world actually looks. Others provide imaginative interpretations of the world so viewers can see something in a new way.

 

All still images can be analysed in terms of the same design elements, such as line, shape, and colour. Different techniques, however, are associated with different kinds of still images.

Characteristics of Still Images

Important Definitions 

Composition – the arrangement of visual elements within a picture.

Focal point – the area in a picture where the eye is immediately drawn.

 

Viewing Still Images

Identify the purpose of the visual and the genre (ad, photograph, poster, etc.) to which it belongs. Is the artist trying to appeal to your feelings, your senses, your intellect?

 Read any text accompanying your work – captions, titles, explanatory notes, etc. This can yield valuable information. The title of the work may tell you something about its intended message. How does the text contribute to the meaning of the work?

How to write a Visual ReflectionReflect on the image by brainstorming:5 W’s

whowhatwhenwherewhyhow

(and the symbols behind them)

COLOURS

WHITE~

purity, snow, peace, innocence,

cleanliness, simplicity

RED~

Passion, strength, energy, fire, love,

arrogance, danger, blood, and war

BLUE~

Seas, skies, peace, unity, harmony, tranquility, calmness, coolness, confidence, loyalty, royalty, and nobility

GREEN~

Nature, spring, fertility, youth,

environment, wealth, good luck, and envy

YELLOW~

Sunlight, joy, happiness, earth,

optimism, intelligence, summer,

and hope

PURPLE~

Envy, sensuality, spirituality, creativity, wealth, royalty, and

nobility

ORANGE~

energy, balance, heat, fire, enthusiasm,

and autumn

BROWN~

Calm, depth, natural organisms, nature,

richness, dirt, dullness, and filth

BLACK~

mysterious, sophisticated; gloomy

and threatening

How to write a Visual ReflectionSpend time examining the photo

closely – any details are there on purpose

Read the assignment closelyWhat ideas and impressions does the

photograph communicate to you?

How to write a Visual ReflectionSelect a prose form

What is prose? Anything but poetry – brainstorm a list = letter, memoir, essay, journal entry, speech, story, travel journal entry, screen play, eulogy

Discuss ideas and impressions that are important to you

Respond critically, personally or creativelyLooking for a unifying effect (an idea that

you come up with and explain)Find something to say about the picture and

then discuss it

How to write a Visual ReflectionIdeas (Can you prove it? Can you support it

with detail?)Beginning

ThesisBody

Prove thesis with detailsConclusion

How to write a Visual ReflectionSomething needs to happenDon’t make too much happenFocus on the picture and the momentFind balance to your stories (beginning, middle, end) If you write a letter or speech or journal entry,

remember to start it appropriately and finish it tooWrite about your feelings regarding whatever it is that

you are writing aboutEdit for missing wordsBe specific, describe things in detailWrite in complete sentencesDon’t be too short or too longDouble spaceMake it believable

All images obtained from “google images” via public domain