Analyzing static images

Genre

What kind of image is it? Is it a photograph, cartoon, painting, map, chart, or diagram, for example?

Features

Is the image in color or black and white? In what context does the image appear? For example, is it large format (perhaps a poster) or small format (such as food packaging)? If the image has depth, what elements are in the foreground and the background? What is the perspective of the image (is it a close-up or an aerial view, for example)?

Purpose and audience

What is the purpose of the image? Is it accompanied by other modes, such as sound or written words? Or does it convey meaning on its own? Is it meant to teach, guide, warn, entertain, or provoke the viewer?

Who is the intended audience for the image? Someone zooming by in a car with only seconds to process the message? Someone who will spend time examining the image? Children or adults? Experts or nonexperts?

Meaning

How do genre, features, purpose, and audience work together to convey a message? How do you interpret the use of the image? (Keep in mind that your interpretation—your take on the meaning—may differ from the composer’s intended message.)