Discussing Still Photographs

Some Questions to Consider When Discussing Still Photographs
Randy Nelson
ART 170Z

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

Lighting
Is the source of light the sun?
Is there artificial light?
From what direction is the primary light?
Is there reflected lighting?
What is the color of the light?
Are there distinct shadows?
Is there detail in the shadows/
Is there detail in the highlights?

Contrast
Is there high contrast?
Is there low contrast?

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

Frame Format
What is the shape of the frame?
What is the aspect ratio?

Treatment of time and motion
Is motion apparently frozen?
Is motion apparently blurred?

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

Describe the journey of your eye within the composition.

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

Color
Is there a dominant color that sets the mood?
Do colors enhance the photograph?

Innovation
Is there anything new about the photograph?
Is there anything shocking about the photograph?

Communication
What is the photographer communicating?
What is the point-of-view of the photographer?
What is the purpose of the photograph?