Analyzing a Photo

ANALYZING A PHOTOTechniques

FOREGROUND AND BACKGROUND

Foreground is the area/object closest to the viewer; in this picture, the ice.

Background is the area/object farthest from the viewer; in this picture, the blurred sky and land.

COMPOSITIONDefinition:

-the way in which the parts of something are arranged, especially the parts of a visual image

Look at the photo and notice how the bird is centered and is framed by leaves. This is the composition.

USING TEXTURES & COLOUR IN COMPOSITION

Notice the smooth texture and colour of the marbles in the foreground. This is in contrast to the grey checkered tiling on the ground.

USING REPETITION IN COMPOSITION

LEADING LINES IN COMPOSITION

FOCAL POINTWhere do you want the viewer to look? This is the focal point.

What techniques were used in this photo to draw your eye to the boy on the tracks?

USING LIGHT AND SHADOW TO HIGHLIGHT THE FOCAL POINT

How does using black and white colours change your feelings about this photo?

USING A BLURRED IMAGE WITH A FOCUSED IMAGE

What does a blurred image suggest? How does it change the focal point?

USING LIGHT AND SHADOW

Describe what you see and feel looking at this photo. Where is the light source? Would it change the photo if we change the direction of the light source?

USING COLOUR

Describe what you see and feel looking at these photos.

SYMMETRYDefinition: the idea of sameness and balance resulting in harmony and beauty

JUXTAPOSITIONDefined as placing two images close together or side by side, in order to show unlikeness or differences.

What is juxtaposed here? Why?

ACTION SHOTS

Practice analyzing. What’s happening in this shot?What’s the focal point?

USING ANGLES

ANGLE EXAMPLES

Low High

MORE ANGLE EXAMPLES

Worm’s Eye-View Canted

MOOD• Mood is a pervading impression of an observer: the somber mood of the painting

Using all the techniques you’ve learned about in this presentation, determine the mood that has been created in the photos in the next two slides. What techniques were used to create this mood?

MOOD

MOOD