How do we read a photograph
Denotative is the literally what a photograph shows the viewer for example a photograph of a man with a camera would be described as such where as Connotative is what a photograph can mean to any one spectator and what emotions or ideas it evokes in them.
Identical twins, Diane Arbus. 1967
The denotative explanation of this photograph would be, identical twins stand next to each other their shoulders touching, against a white wall, wearing the same outfit. The girl on the left is frowning and the girl and the right is smiling. A connotative explanation of this photograph could be; Identical twins in a photo have been dressed to look exactly the same however Diane Arbus is making the point that even if they appear at first glance 'identical' the sister on the left has more messy hair and looks sad in contrast to her sister who has neater hair is smiling.
A family on their lawn one Sunday in Winchester, NewYork. Diane Arbus. 1968
The denotative explanation of this photo would be the title of this photo while connotative would be;
This couple is experiencing turbulence since the man faces away from presumably his wife, his hand covering his eyes making him appear stressed. The child is separated from his his parents having to entertain himself and takes his mother side more than his fathers since he is nearer her. Other family outdoor furniture like the swings the benches and an umbrella are all cut out of frame showing the disconnect between this family and a normal one. This large garden filled with therepossesions also shows this family is likely wealthy.
This couple is experiencing turbulence since the man faces away from presumably his wife, his hand covering his eyes making him appear stressed. The child is separated from his his parents having to entertain himself and takes his mother side more than his fathers since he is nearer her. Other family outdoor furniture like the swings the benches and an umbrella are all cut out of frame showing the disconnect between this family and a normal one. This large garden filled with therepossesions also shows this family is likely wealthy.
Herbert Bayers,'Lonely Metropolitan', 1932
Dorothea Lange, my documentary photography hero.
I choose Dorothea Lange as my documentary photography hero because I think her photographs are intriguing and started more social change using her photographs more than any other photographer.
It's a start but you also need to consider: Which images in particular do you feel are the most emotive or persuasive? Are there any issues in terms of the photographer’s objectivity of the issue or moment they were photographing. |