Still ImagesIn the English course, still images includes posters, single frames from films, cartoons, photographs, billboards, illustrations and

paintings.

The study of still images is included in our program because:

Still images will be included in the WACE exam.

1n the Viewing Section you will have to analyse a still image supplied in the exam paper.

Visual texts do not simply present realities. Rather, they offer representations of reality which bring with them particular attitudes and values.

Key Concept

The study of still images informs your understanding of the codes and conventions

of film for all visual texts.

Guidelines for reading still images:

• Describe the subject matter Begin by describing what you see. What are

the main elements in the image and what impact do they have on you as a viewer?

What are the main elements of this image?Describe the impact they have on you.

The photograph shows a group of young Lebanese people driving through a South Beirut neighbourhood devastated by Israeli bombings. The picture was

taken on 15 August 2006.

• Composition Examine how the main elements of the

image are arranged and how this arrangement affects your responses. Which elements are the largest? Which elements are in the background? What is in the middle of the frame? The elements in the middle of the frame often seem more important than the others.

• The Rule of Thirds Elements that are placed at or near the four

‘intersections’ seem to be more important than others in the frame. Elements placed far from these points seem less important.

• Leading lines The eye is drawn towards the shapes that

are most important in the image

• Juxtaposition This is the study of the relation of one

image to another. The way we interpret different elements of an image depends not only on the elements themselves, but on their meaning in relation to each other.

How does the juxtaposition of the following two images convey ideas about women?

• Lighting The way light is used in an image may result in some elements being highlighted and others being cast in shadow and made less important.

• Symbolism The objects depicted may have symbolic

meanings as well as functional meanings.

• Costume and make-up Uniforms bestow authority and power. Clothing can indicate a particular social

group or class.

• PropsLook for Symbolic values

This poster was produced by the Salvation Army. It was designed to promote the value of friendship.

• Body Language

• Gestures

• Facial expression and gaze

• Camera Angle

• Camera distance

• Overall effect Consider the representation conveyed. This means: what particular portrayal of the

subject is constructed?

Example: What are the two representations of Hitler

conveyed on the next slide?

More information… Read the notes on visual language

provided. They will give you more detail about how the elements of still images work together to convey representations.