Reading a Photograph

The five questions on reading a photograph are:

• What does this photograph represent it express?

• What can you tell about the person in the photo?

• What do you think was the intended purpose if the photo?

• Does the picture 'speak for itself'?

• What do you need to know in order to understand the photo?

This photo represents/expresses sadness belief and maybe guilt. With the photo being in black and white it gives off a sad or depressed mood.

I can tell that the person in the photo is upset, i cant tell this because of the look in his eyes. It looks like he is religious because he has his hands as if he is praying. I think he is praying because he looks upset so he could be wanting to talk to God to ask him to help him with what is going on on his life.

I think the intended purpose of this photo is to show emotion, to show that it is okay to be upset as not many people like to show their emotions anymore. I also think that it is okay to show to be yourself. Lastly i think it shows that it is okay to have a religion as people judge others by their religion which is unfair. this photo shows people that it is okay to be yourself.

I think the photo does 'speak for itself' this is because you can see the emotion on his face, you can see that something bad has happened. Also with the image being black and white it gives the images a dull/sad, with the photo having a dull mood and the emotion on his face you can tell that he isn't okay so the photo 'speaks for itself'.

In order to understand the photograph, you need to know how to read facial expressions, body language and peoples emotions. By knowing these things you will be able to read and understand the image.