Photo Analysis Assignment

Running head: PHOTOGRAPH ANALYSIS
PHOTOGRAPH ANALYSIS
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note

1PHOTOGRAPH ANALYSIS
The evolution of photography was based on the discovery of the two principles of
photography- the ‘camera obscura’ image projection and with the understanding of the fact that
certain substances are altered and changed with their exposure to light and the change in the
angles. It has helped in the development of the chief concepts of photography. At certain points
of time, images seem to be mirrored and mostly the virtual side of the image, which is captured,
is felt. Thomas Wedgewood made an attempt of capturing a permanent image in the year 1800,
which was unsuccessful though. However, the attempt has helped in the undertaking of the steps
for the development of photography over the years. Detailed photography has helped in the
undertaking of the steps that are necessary for perfecting the images that are captured.
The discussion aims at the understanding of the theories of photography through the
analysis of an image. It will help in determining the theories and their application on the
photography. It will also help in determining the effectiveness of the theories through their
application on the captured image.
The study of the signs is an important factor that helps in the understanding of the
perception of the artist relating to paintings, writings or photography. It is an important factor,
which helps in the proper interpretation of the artistry that is being revealed by the artist through
the work (Russell & Diaz, 2013). The ideas and the philosophy that is being presented by the
artist is dependent on the social interpretations and the perceptions of the viewer. Therefore,
signs play a major role in the interpretation of the artistic forms. Ferdinand de Saussure, through
his theories based on linguistics, has evaluated the importance of the signs in determining and
interpreting the artistry. On the other hand, Roland Barthes developed the theory that is proposed
by Ferdinand de Saussure, which has helped in the thorough understanding of the study of the
signs for interpreting the artistry (Tucker, 2013). Semiology, the study of signs, has facilitated in

2PHOTOGRAPH ANALYSIS
the proper understanding as it helps in bringing to the surface the deeper meaning that is being
represented by the artist through the work. Photography, however, is different from the other art
forms based on the type of representation it provides. The understanding of the perception and
the ideology of the photographer is shaped by the social interpretation. It helps in determining
the message that resides within the photograph (Hayes, 2014).
The photograph that is being selected for this discussion represented a bus terminal where
two veteran people are having their favorite beverage. A child can also be noticed in its cot,
which is surrounded by wastes (Wells, 2015). The literal meaning that could be derived from the
picture might simply be a scenario of a bus stop, which is filled with litter. The most intriguing
part of the image is based on its representation of a street life and the feeling of nonchalance that
is observed in the expression of the veteran couple. The litter that surrounds the cot is again an
important portrayal that is considered in this photograph, which might imply the ill effects of
wastes and litter on the lives of the infants (Wagstaff, 2013). The social condition of the place is
also being portrayed as the people there seemed to be unaware of the impacts of the litter, which
might affect the sanitation and the hygiene.
The representation of the imagery is two-fold based on the interpretation that the viewer
undertakes. The social understanding of the issues and the people’s outlook towards the issues is
understood through the image (Bate, 2016). The signs played a major role in the interpretation of
the image and thereby determine the truth that is reflected through the portrayal. The application
of Semiology has helped in the proper interpretation of the ideas and the views that are
represented by the artist through the construction of this image (Costello & Iversen, 2012).
According to Vilém Flusser, the superficial nature of photography is supported with the
perception of the viewer and therefore signs and symbols in the imagery helps in the clear