How to understand an image/photograph
Overview
Images can be a useful component in any subject. This lesson will guide students through an analysis of an image by using critical thinking skills to understand an image in their own way.
This OER has been remixed so that it can be used by a student without the help of an instructor. It is a self-lead guide.
Lesson Objectives
You will be able to:
- Use critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret images.
- Create ideas about where the image came from.
- Construct questions that lead to further investigation.
Warm Up / Introduction
Activity Directions:
Examine a image / photograph for 20 seconds. Based on the image, answer the following questions:
- Describe the photograph / Image?
- What did you first notice?
- What is the subject matter?
- What is happening in the image / photograph?
- What emotions did the image / photograph trigger?
- What is the image trying to say?
- What other details can you see?
Research / Explore Activity
Activity Directions:
Ask yourself the following questions about the image.
- Why do you think the image was made? Do you think the creator has a purpose? Why do you think this?
- What do you think has been left out of the frame?
- Who do you think is the audience? Why do you think this?
- If there are people and objects, how do you think they relate to each other?
- Can you tell what time of day/time of year the image was taken?
Reinforcement / Creation Activity
Activity Directions:
Now that you had time to examine the image, create questions to further your research about the subject. Base you questions on the following:
- What did you not learn that you want to know more about?
- What additional questions did the image / photograph raise?
- What do you wonder about (who, what, when, where, why, how)?
- Type your questions in the comments.
Write a caption to explain what is happening in the image.