To understand a photograph one must take time to observe and analyse. It is recommended that the photograph be revisited for full appreciation. One must free their mind of prejudices of the subject matter, printing, color, lighting, and other aspects of the photograph. This is likely the most difficult.
Analysis is broken into four steps; Description, Formal Analysis, Interpretation, and Evaluation.
Description
Account for all physical, pictorial, historical, psychological, and miscellaneous aspects of what is shown. Do not over look the title is one is present. These are not value standards, rather, devises frequently used.
-the lines, planes, forms, volumes- in the abstract. Ignore subject matter.
-the tonal structure of the photo, as well as the location of dominant tones or colors and the relationship among tones.
-shape of the photo; square, rectangle, skinny, vertical, etc.
-textures
-picture-plane perspective (camera angle), distance of picture-plane from subjects
-motion (if any) of subjects
-mood and features contributing to mood; tense, mysterious, calm
-space and planes in which subjects are located; look for fluctuating space, disquieting space, reflections; note negative space
-lights and shadows; soft, pervading, dark, non-existent, as well as the direction and distance of light
-sharp, blurred, fogged, grainy quality
-reality or non-reality imparted by photo, including what is hidden or blurred
-exotic or common-place nature of subject
-time, place, locale- definite or indefinite
-if color, what harmonies used, the intensities displayed and effect of colors
-route eye travels through photo
Formal Analysis
The description should be wholly factual. This is an interpretive tying of facts, still, without prejudices.
-geometric shapes employed; in over all composition or parts? any forms repeated?
-what parallels or repetitions are present? physically or conceptually parallel or repeated?
-what variations on theme are present
-what is the overall composition of the photo
-is it balanced? what kind of balance employed? is it appropriate?
-is it too unified? what features are unifying?
Interpretation
Imagination and real thinking is now required. Any valid thoughts can be added. Ask 'why?' to anything you may think of.
-is the statement specific or universal
-are the objects pictured symbols?
-is the statement subtle, obvious, ambiguous?
-what feelings are involved? humor, tactile, mystery etc
-what are you reminded of visually, emotionally, intellectually?
-**what is the picture really about?
-is the photo important because of the treatment of the subject
-what is the photographer's relationship to the subject?
Evaluation
Only now can judgement be passed on the photograph.
-by what standards should the photo be evaluated?
-how deep is the feeling that has been triggered by the photo?
-how suitable/acceptable is the manner in which the statement is made?
-is the statement valid? do you agree?
-where does the photo fit between Most Trivial and Most Important?
-how original is the statement and the manner its made?
-will the photo live?
If the description of a photo is stated thoroughly, you can get by without the other three stages, as Description is the most important of the four stages. This is because the description of a photograph causes one to consciously or subconsciously come to conclusions.
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