An introduction to visual literacy

1. 1
An introduction to VisualAn introduction to Visual
LiteracyLiteracy

2. 2
What is Visual Literacy?
• We live in a visual world full of images
– Television
– Film
– Pictures
– Road Signs
– Advertisements
• Visual literacy enables us to understand
and appreciate the use of images

3. 3
Basic Elements of Visual
Literacy
• Composition is where specific elements are
placed within a frame
• Use of Colour
• Line
• Texture
• Focus
• Type of Shot
• Camera angle
• Camera moves
Click on the image and discuss (in pairs) what elements
are present in this wallpaper

4. 4
The use of colour
Warm colours Cool colours
Red Blue
Danger Passiveness
Anger Coldness
Yellow Green
Warmth Growth
Cheerfulness Envy
Black – Evil, Doom
White - Purity, Innocence
Moods, feelings and emotions are expressed through
colour
Click on the
words in green
to look at the
pictures
associated with
the word and
colour

5. 5
Line
Line shows motion across space
– Horizontal – demonstrates peace, balance and stability
– Vertical – Emphasizes strength and spirituality
– Diagonal – Dynamic, gives a sense of energy Click here for animation
– Curved – Smooth, rolling
Texture
Texture is the feel of an objects surface. We can also
feel texture with our eyes and this gives a picture or
film a sense of reality by allowing us to imagine.
Texture
Focus
Manner in which the camera lens is adjusted
to show the image with crisp or soft lines
– Soft – Makes scene or subject romantic
– Sharp – Portrays reality, lines are clearly seen
– Differential – Only part of the image is in focus

6. 6
Type of shot
The type of shot refers to the distance the subject is
standing away from the camera or recorder.
• Long Shot – Sets the scene and gives an over all picture
Video (LS) Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3
• Full Shot – Concentrates on the subject with no distracting details, background is
seen as secondary
Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3
• Medium Shot – Shows body language with approximately half of the object in the
frame
Video (MS) Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3
• Close Up – Focuses on a small part of the subject thus emphasizing dramatic impact
of detail
Video (CU) Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3
• Extreme close up – Focuses on enlarged detail in order to give a heightened
effect and specifically draws attention to specific features
Video (ECU) Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3

7. 7
Camera angles
Refers to the angle at which the camera/ recorder is
tilted out of the horizontal to take a shot.
• Worms eye view – view from floor upwards, emphasizes height
and reduces the significance of the viewer
Picture 1 Picture 2
• Low angle- enlarges and shows superiority of subject as
well as emphasizes aggression and strength of subject
Video (LA) Picture 1 Picture 2
• Normal/straight angle- viewpoint creates neutral attitude
Video (NA) Picture 1 Picture 2
• High angle- makes subject appear vulnerable, insignificant
and inferior
Video (HA) Picture 1 Picture 2
Birds eye view- establishes extreme
insignificance, creates map like effect as
well as gives the total picture
Video (BEV) Picture 1 Picture 2

8. 8
Camera moves
Camera moves refers to the movement of the
camera or recorder to create desired effect
Panning – this is when a camera moves around a room horizontally or up and
down vertically. This helps the viewer to get a better sense of the layout.
Panning Video
Use of a dolly – A dolly usually consists of a camera/ recorder placed on a
track or wheels. This enables the viewer to follow the action.
Dolly Video
Hand held shots – This is when the shots are taken through
a camera or recorder which is being held. This creates an
amateur feel to the shot. It also brings in a sense of
realism
Hand held shot video

9. 9
Reflection
• What have you learnt?
• Can you list the different
elements?
• Can you apply the information
given to new pictures or film
strips?
• Now think back to the Avatar
wallpaper that we first
analyzed.
• Do you think you can analyze
it better now that you have
more information about visual
literacy? Work together with your partner and
discuss the Avatar poster in detail, once
again using the elements that you have
learnt about
Avatar poster

10. 10
Individual Assignment
Using the knowledge that you have gained from this
exercise as well as the information given on pg
106 of your textbooks to complete the following:
• Find a picture, video clip or wallpaper on the internet.
• Discuss the chosen piece according to the elements analyzed in the slide.
• In your discussion refer to at least six out of the seven elements that
are relevant to your chosen picture/video clip.
• Hand in an assignment with the picture or web address of the clip on your
front page. Then add in your discussion/analysis of the picture/video clip
under suitable headings. Remember to not only point out the elements but
say why you think they have been used and what is their purpose in the
composition.
• Due date: 20 April 2010
• Length: +- 4 pages

11. 11
Visual literacy individual assignment rubric
1 Not achieved 2 Attempted 3 Satisfactory 4 Well done 5 Excellent
Six elements
present in
discussion
Discussion
clearly links to
slideshow as
well as the
section in the
textbook
Front cover
Includes
picture/web
address
Clear
understanding
is shown for
the subject at
hand