Visual Literacy and Critical Thought Visual Literacy Learning

Visual Literacy and Critical Thought

Visual Literacy: Learning to think critically about our worlds English 112

Four Stages of Analysis: 1. Observing 2. Questioning 3. Interpreting/ Inferring 4. Evaluating

Terms Used When Describing Photographs Subject Foreground/Background Perspective Camera Angle Focal Point Depth of Field Explicit context, implicit context, no context Color Lighting

Images and Symbols: Things to Consider in the Decoding Process Subject: The subject is the person, place, or object that is the focus of the image. Focal Point: The focal point is the point to which the viewer’s attention is drawn and is usually the image’s main subject. In other cases, however, the viewer’s eye may be drawn, through the use of light, colour, or the depth of field to a different place in the image/ photograph.

Images and Symbols: Things to Consider in the Decoding Process Background: The area behind the subject/ focal point or the part of an image that is furthest from the viewer. Foreground: The part of the image that is closest to the viewer.

Images and Symbols: Things to Consider in the Decoding Process Camera Angle (Gaze): The camera angle marks the specific location at which the movie camera or video camera is placed to take a shot. A scene may be shot from several camera angles simultaneously. This will give a different experience and sometimes emotion.

Images and Symbols: Things to Consider in the Decoding Process Perspective: Perspective is the point of view that the artist uses when creating an image, or the photographer uses when capturing a photo/ scene. The artist and/ or photographer has the power to choose the perspective or viewpoint of the viewer by the position in which they angle their lens. (This influences the message tremendously. )

Images and Symbols: Things to Consider in the Decoding Process Depth of Field: Depth of Field refers to the sharpness of the scene surrounding the object of focus and is used to enhance of isolate the main subject in an image. Making the space behind your focal point out of focus is referred to as a Shallow Depth of Field. When everything in the image appears sharp, it is referred to as Great Depth of Field.

Images and Symbols: Things to Consider in the Decoding Process Focal Point: The focal point is the point to which the viewer’s attention is drawn and is usually the image’s main subject. In other cases, however, the viewer’s eye may be drawn, through the use of light, color, or the depth of field, to a different place in the photograph.

Images and Symbols: Things to Consider in the Decoding Process Implicit Context: implied or understood though not directly expressed; contained in the nature of something though not readily apparent; indirect. Explicit Context: fully and clearly expressed; leaving nothing implied; explicit approval; fully developed and apparent. No Context: the message is unclear, not fully expressed.

Images and Symbols: Things to Consider in the Decoding Process Colour: Photographers may use particular colours in a visual image to represent a mood or feeling. The use of certain colours will evoke a certain feeling from the viewer. The symbolic meanings that we associate with certain colors are dynamic and can change according to context. For example, in one context red could represent passion, where in another it may represent danger.

Images and Symbols: Things to Consider in the Decoding Process Lighting: Lighting effect can be used to convey a particular meaning. The degree of brightness and direction from the source of light can influence the viewer. The following table describes some lighting effects.

Interpreting / Inferring In interpreting/ inferring a photograph, use the information that you have discovered through your description and analysis to draw conclusions about the photograph. Can you now say exactly what is happening in the photograph? What is the photographer trying to say; that is, what is the intent of the photographer? Why was the picture taken at this time? Why did the photographer select this angle?

Framing Consider what is in the picture and what is left out (framing). A photographer uses the boundaries of the photograph as a frame. There is always a conscious decision to focus on some things and leave other things out. How do these decisions affect the meaning?

At this point, you might need to look at outside information. Do some research in order to discover the historical context of the photograph. Was it staged or spontaneous? What was happening in the world at the time? Think about the time period when the photograph was taken. Does the meaning of the photograph change when we look at it now, compared to when it was created?

Think critically; do not simply accept the image as a true representation of something that actually happened.

Evaluating The final stage of your decoding is an evaluation. What do you think about the work? Make a judgment about the value, the significance and the importance of the photograph.

Four Stages of Analysis: 1. Observing 2. Questioning 3. Interpreting/ Inferring 4. Evaluating