Discussing photographs

Some Questions to Consider When Discussing Still Photographs

Randy Nelson

ART 170Z

1. Subject matter
1. Reality: What subjects and objects from the material world appear in the photograph?
2. Are there symbolic elements in the photograph?
3. Is there text within the photograph?
4. Does the photograph have a title or a caption?

2. Lighting
1. Is the source of light the sun?
2. Is there artificial light?
3. From what direction is the primary light?
4. Is there reflected lighting?
5. What is the color of the light?
6. Are there distinct shadows?
7. Is there detail in the shadows/
8. Is there detail in the highlights?

3. Contrast
1. Is there high contrast?
2. Is there low contrast?

4. Focus
1. What is the hyper focal distance?
2. What is in focus?
3. How great is the depth of field?
4. Is the photograph sharp, or does it have a soft focus?

5. Frame Format
1. What is the shape of the frame?
2. What is the aspect ratio?

6. Treatment of time and motion
1. Is motion apparently frozen?
2. Is motion apparently blurred?

7. Graphic Design
1. What plane geometric lines and shapes do you see in the picture?
2. Are there vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines?
3. Are there curves, such as ‘S’ curves?
4. Are shapes such as triangles or circles apparent?
5. Is the ‘Rule of Thirds’ employed?

8. Describe the journey of your eye within the composition.

9. Expressions
1. What do the faces and bodies of any human subjects express?
2. Do you see expressiveness in the appearance of any non-human subjects?

10. Color
1. Is there a dominant color that sets the mood?
2. Do colors enhance the photograph?

11. Innovation
1. Is there anything new about the photograph?
2. Is there anything shocking about the photograph?

12. Communication
1. What is the photographer communicating?
2. What is the point-of-view of the photographer?
3. What is the purpose of the photograph?