Reading Photographs - Image Analysis
Morgan McCaskie - Making Not Taking - August 20
VISUAL
The rocks appear 3D because of the angle the photograph was taken from. We are not looking at the waterfall straight ahead, instead we are viewing it from an angle. From this angle we see the rocks stick out in various places and this gives the photograph depth. There are a range of dark and light tones captured that create contrast. The darker mud and foliage in the foreground and the background help to create contrast with the bright white of the water that is in the centre of the image. The way the image is composed shows the waterfall is more to the right - this can be identified using the rule of thirds.
CONTEXTUAL
When looking at this image from a psychological aspect, the types of feelings conveyed are mainly calming. This photograph has captured a tranquil scene with very little going on and this makes it easy for the eyes to follow and take in. There aren’t many points in the image where we look back and forth, so our eyes are easily drawn to the brightness of the water compared to the darker woods surrounding it. The colour green is associated with feelings of calmness, growth and freshness. The green and brown tones frame the waterfall and evoke a feeling of comfort and safety.
TECHNICAL
The light source for this image was only the available daylight as it was taken out in the open with no additional lights/flash. A longer shutter speed of 5 seconds was used and the camera was positioned to the right of the waterfall on a tripod. By using a longer shutter speed, movement was created and the image was brought to life with flowing water.
