Image Analysis: Observing, Analyzing Images

1. Image Analysis: Observing, Analyzing Images Keena P. Day, M.A.

2. Classroom Norms Silence all cell phones and other technological devices. Do not hesitate to tell me to slow down or to ask questions. Keep side conversations to a minimum. Active participation is encouraged.

3. Warm-Up: Review of Reading Based on which story you chose to read from chapter 4, sit at table 1 if you read “The Front Porch” and Table 2 if you read “Corpse Colloquy” On the index card, select 1 line that stood out to you from the text and write it on the front of the card. It can be for any reason (because it stood out, the author used good imagery, diction, etc.) On the back, write the reason you selected the line

4. Analyzing Images Images are apart of mainstream life. The barrage of images in our culture dramatically influences how we think, how we live, what we value, what we believe. Most images are designed to influence our thinking.

5. Analyzing Images As images in consumer society become increasingly sophisticated, consumers also need to become more sophisticated seers. When we break down an image, we can better understand how it works, how it conveys meaning, how it conceals values and beliefs. We can also better understand how that image relates to the world around it; the more analytical we become, the more we see.

6. Image Analysis Analysis is the act of breaking down something to its basic elements and attempting to understand something of value in the process.

7. Image Analysis • Analyzing images involves: • breaking down the elements of an image • understanding how those elements convey ideas and feelings • how they work on the consciousness of the viewer • How they speak to a surrounding culture • How they resonant with surrounding values and beliefs.

8. Point of Contact Print Advertisements Posters Internet Images Billboards Examples

9. Analysis • 4 Layers: • Image: the pictures or graphics and their specific elements • Text: any accompanying written language • Subtext: the unstated meanings and implications beneath the image and text • Context: the world surrounding the image

10. Image Analysis • Content: • Consists of the subject, information, or objects that are pictured. • Everything with an image is important– from the largest to the tiniest object or detail

11. Image Analysis • Framing: • What has been placed within the boundaries of the image. • Composition: • The way the visual elements of the image are arranged within the frame. • Composition also includes matters of light and darkness, lines, shapes, focus, and so on.

12. Image Analysis • Focus: • The degree to which some areas of the image are sharp (or clear) and other areas are blurry. • The focus impacts the movement of the eye. • Sharper objects automatically attract attention away from blurry or fuzzy items. • Lighting: • The degree to which some areas of the image are brightly lit and others are in low light or shadows.

13. Image Analysis • Texture: • How the image, or certain objects in the image looks like it would feel if you could touch it. • Images can appear to have a textures • Angle and Vantage Point: • The angle at which the image is presented, or the vantage point or perspective from which the photograph is taken.

14. Significance The collective meaning or impact of all elements. The ultimate goal is to figure out how all these elements work together to express ideas, just as the elements of an essay, novel, poem, or movie work together.

15. Other Elements to Consider Text: Written text on the image Subtext: Implied statements the image makes Context: The things, people surrounding it. The real physical space surrounding it or the cultural background.

16. Practice Sheets Use Invention Questions

17. Group Practice Small Group Activity Chapter 6 (6 images) Use the Invention Questions to discuss each image as a group. Each person will select and present one image to the entire class. Write the answers to all the invention questions you can answer on a sheet of paper with your name on it.

18. Mentor Text: “An Imperfect Reality” Read and be prepared to discuss the “Writing Strategies” and “Exploring Ideas”

19. Thesis The purpose of this project is to analyze how an image works to impact viewers. The analysis should reveal something that readers would not otherwise see or imagine. A good thesis for this project focuses on a particular element and gives an explanation of the significance.

20. Organizational Strategies Chapter 6 in the text

21. Essay #2: Image Analysis Select an Image (print ad, photograph, computer graphic, etc.). Write a rough draft of an image analysis to work in peer and teacher groups on Thursday. Bring the image and a printable essay to class on Thursday.