Visual Analysis

Guidelines Visual Analysis Essay

Essay Length: 3-4 Word Pages

Visual: Should be embedded in the introduction.

MLA: Use MLA for essay formatting and the work cited list

Structure:

1. Introduction:

• Who took the image? When was it taken? Where was it published?

• Briefly describe the image being analyzed.

• At the end of the introduction, your approved thesis statement.

1. Body Paragraphs:

• Each question answered in “Analyzing the Image” document above should be thoroughly described within their own body paragraph.

• Arrange the paragraphs in the order that the questions are listed. In other words, the first paragraph should describe the question answered in step one, the second paragraph should describe the question answered in step two and so on.

• Make sure that each paragraph contains a topic sentence that summarizes and introduces the question being addressed or answered.

1. Conclusion:

• A conclusion should mirror the introduction and reiterate the thesis, but not word for word. Re-state the thesis differently than it was stated in the introduction.

• Summarize the information covered within the essay using a few sentences.

• A conclusion paragraph should not mention any new information that was not addressed within the essay.

• Analyzing Meaning of Visual Images

Use the pre-writing questions below to help you analyze your images and start writing notes that will help you develop your paper ideas.

1.    Context: Understand the times when the image was taken

• • Who took the image?

  • When was the image taken?

  • Where was it taken?

  • Why was it taken?

2. Message: What message is the photographer trying to convey with the image?

• • Cultural

  • Political

  • Emotional

  • Ethical

3. Visual Elements: How is the image arranged or composed? Which of the following aspects of composition help makes the claim? Examine:

• • Light Quality

  • Angle of View

  • Framing/Composition

  • Color

  • Focus

4. Appeals: How does it appeal to the audience? In other words, discuss the emotional and mental responses evoked by the image in the reader. 

• • Empathy

  • Sympathy

  • Anger

  • Sadness

  • Thoughtfulness

 (Adapted from: https://owlcation.com/humanities/How-to-Write-a-Visual-Analysis-Paper)

Writing a Thesis

Thesis Statement:

Present your argument in your thesis statement. What is the photographer trying to say to you through the image?

The thesis should be in third person. DO NOT say: I think...... I believe.....In my opinion.................................................

Sample Thesis Statements:

1.Photographer Joao Silva points out the lack of water of the Kariba Dam which has caused the shortage of electric power in Zambia, to create awareness and to show the level of seriousness of the problem in this vibrant yet serious image.

2.This photograph gives the opportunity to experience the intense energy inside a surgical room, the cohesion of the surgical team, and how their confidence brings a calmness to a stressful situation through his expert use of dim lighting, soft focus, and low angle.

Some ways to begin your thesis:

In this image the photographer attempts to__________________________________________________________________________________

Through the image the artist presents the argument that____________

Due Dates: Refer to the Due Dates Calendar for the Due Dates associated with this essay.