Decoding Photographs

Decoding Photographs

• 2.
  Why Decode aPhotograph?  A photograph reflects the codes, values, beliefs and culture of the photographer, as well as time during which it was created.  The meaning we find in a photograph is similarly influenced by our culture, values and beliefs.  The viewer must take an active role in its interpretation.
• 3.
  Questions to Ask  To decode a photograph, it is useful to follow a methodical process consisting of four stages:  Describing  Analyzing  Interpreting  Evaluating
• 4.
  Describing  Note essential, factual information.  Does the photograph have a title?  Who is the photographer?  When and where was the photograph taken?  Describe subject matter.  List facts.  Finally, look at the elements of art.  How are these used in the photograph? Excerpted from: Decoding Photographs, By Laura McCoy, visual arts teacher
• 5.
  Newsies at SkeeterBranch, St. Louis, Missouri, 11:00 am, May 9, 1910 Lewis W. Hine (American, 1874–1940) Gelatin silver print
• 6.
  Analyzing  What can you learn from the clues in the photo?  What draws your eye immediately?  Look closely the details. What information can they give you?  What is going on in the picture?  Do you see any writing in the photo? Are there recognizable buildings or landmarks?  What time of day does it seem to be?  Finally, how do the various elements work together? Excerpted from: Decoding Photographs, By Laura McCoy, visual arts teacher
• 7.
  Newsies at SkeeterBranch, St. Louis, Missouri, 11:00 am, May 9, 1910 Lewis W. Hine (American, 1874–1940) Gelatin silver print
• 8.
  Interpreting  Draw conclusions about the photograph.  What is happening in the photograph?  What is the photographer trying to say?  A photographer uses the boundaries of the photograph as a frame to focus on some things and leave other things out.  How do these decisions affect the meaning?  Do some research in order to discover the historical context of the photograph.  Think critically; do not simply accept the image as a true representation of something that actually happened. Excerpted from: Decoding Photographs, By Laura McCoy, visual arts teacher
• 9.
  Newsies at SkeeterBranch, St. Louis, Missouri, 11:00 am, May 9, 1910 Lewis W. Hine (American, 1874–1940) Gelatin silver print
• 10.
  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.  What does it add to your knowledge of the subject? Excerpted from: Decoding Photographs, By Laura McCoy, visual arts teacher
• 11.
  Newsies at SkeeterBranch, St. Louis, Missouri, 11:00 am, May 9, 1910 Lewis W. Hine (American, 1874–1940) Gelatin silver print
• 12.
  Newsies: Out aftermidnight selling extras. There were many young boys selling very late. Youngest boy in the group is 9 years old. Harry, age 11, Eugene and the rest were a little older. Washington, D.C.
• 13.
  Newsies: Newsboy asleepon stairs with papers. Jersey City, New W. Hine LewisJersey. (American, 1874–1940) Gelatin silver print
• 14.
  Newsies: Michael McNelis,age 8, a newsboy [seen with photographer Hine]. has just recovered from his second attack of pneumonia. Was This boy found selling papers in a big rain storm. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• 15.
  Tobacco Harvesting, Vallede Viñales (Cuba 2002) Manuel Rivera- Ortiz Describe • Analyze • Interpret • Evaluate