Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Decoding Photographs
1.
2. Why Decode a Photograph?
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 Skeeter Branch, 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 Skeeter Branch, 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 Skeeter Branch, 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 Skeeter Branch, St. Louis, Missouri, 11:00 am, May 9,
1910
Lewis W. Hine (American, 1874–1940)
Gelatin silver print
12. Newsies: Out after midnight 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 asleep on 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, Valle de Viñales (Cuba 2002) Manuel Rivera-
Ortiz
Describe • Analyze • Interpret • Evaluate