Evaluation of Visual Communication in Photo Imaging Practice Essay

This essay evaluates the effectiveness of visual communication in photo imaging practice, emphasizing its role in engaging audiences and conveying messages through images that cannot be communicated orally or in writing. It explores how photographers use visual communication to offer unique perspectives and create social awareness. The essay discusses the material approach, highlighting the importance of how an image is physically portrayed, and examines editing techniques, including temporal and spatial editing. Historical theories such as Gestalt theory, the Fibonacci-Golden ratio, and semiotics are discussed, along with modern techniques like the rule of thirds, balance elements, and leading lines. The author reflects on how these theories and techniques will impact their creative practices, including the potential use of new equipment and the application of learned skills in areas such as wedding photography and landscape photography.

Evaluation of Visual Communication in Photo Imaging Practice
In engaging the audiences, visual communication is essential in the production of
photo images. Visual communications allow photographers to convey their messages through
the use of images and bring about a different perspective which allows people to see the
world from a different point of view. Visual communication may be done through the
production and conceptualization of the photo images. Edwards (2002), acknowledges an
image to be important but then claims it is linked to its material. As a result, an image look
portrays how it is. The visual communication, therefore, is not limited to the photograph but
how it is holistically displayed.
In visual communication, editing is also another aspect of it. Through the process of
editing, the photographer can capture the exact moments of a picture they take and is referred
to as temporal editing. On the other hand, the photographer may decide to choose another
aspect of the field of view to capture and decide a particular perspective and is known to be
spatual editing. With this, the photographer can connect with their intended audience and
helps them capture images which are relatable to their target audiences.
Some historical theories have contributed significantly to the compelling visual
communication. One of the arguments supporting its effectiveness is the Gesalt theory. The
theory has suggested that the human mind does simplify the images to more recognizable
shapes and patterns. Another historical approach in this field is as a result of the derivation of
the Fibonacci- Golden ratio. The design principle is based on the ratio ranging between 1 and
1.618. This ration provides a photograph with the perfect position of where it can be
captured. Semiotics is another study which has been carried out in establishing visual
communication. Semiotics comprises of making means by the use of signs allowing the

photographer to convey their messages to their intended audiences through the use of
symbols.
The rule of thirds is an important aspect of photography which helps to give the
photographer options for them to place the subject image in the perfect way to the target
viewer. Balance elements technique is important in allowing photographers reach their
audiences by granting them discretion of how they want their photograph to be. Leading
lines is another technique that enables a photographer to lead the target audience to a
particular viewpoint. It is therefore noted that these historical theories and the modern
techniques help the photographer utilize the visual communication efficiently in coming up
with photos in a manner to engage their targeted audience.
The application of the visual communication theories in photo imaging will greatly
impact my practices of creativity. Through the historical theories, I have come to understand
the essential techniques which will enhance my communication ability through photo
imaging. To experiment with the new techniques, I will need to buy additional equipment
such as lenses having bigger apertures in an attempt to take abstract photographs. I believe
that the techniques which I have studied will be of great benefit in my photography career.
These techniques will help me apply the skills in job opportunities such as wedding
photography and acknowledge editing and grouping techniques. Another area of possibly
applying the techniques I learned includes in taking landscapes photographs. For instance, by
applying the technique of rule of thirds, I will be able to take great landscape photos which
will be appealing to my target audience.