Choose one of your classmates’ Conceptual Portraits and apply visual analysis and discussion skills you’ve learned from the class write a paragraph or two about their photos and the person they choose. Try to guess who they are and what they do or mean to the photographer.
Answer 3 of the following questions. From Module 3: “The Critical Eye.”
- Why did the photographer make this particular photograph?
- Intent of concept: Do you have an idea that you want to communicate?
- Are you interested in looking at it for a long time?
- How does it make you feel?
- Does it remind you of something else?
- What does the photograph mean?
- Is the image technically sound?
- What is the photographer’s point of view about his/her subject?
- Was the image visualized prior to the shutter’s release?
- Has the photographer shown you an alternate way to view the subject?
- Draw on historical references. Does photographic history tell you something about the meaning or significance of the photograph?
- Look deeper into an image to see if there is more than what initially met your eye.
- Does the use of signs, symbols, and metaphor speak to what the photograph is about?
- Do the formal elements—size, shape, color, etc.—echo the content? Has the photographer made good use of the elements and principles of design?
- Consider the type or style of photograph. Do you understand the context or the intent of the photograph?
- Is the choice of subject interesting and unique or generic and common?
- Is the technique appropriate for the subject?
- Is the lighting unique or special? Does it fit the subject?
- Does the photograph ask more questions than it answers? Will it provoke the viewer to answer them?
- Is the photograph pleasant or challenging? Does it communicate the effect that you want or give a different impression?
- Does it make the ordinary extraordinary?
