Photography Final Exam Essay Guide – Mr. Zorn

PHOTO EVALUATION ESSAYS

INSTRUCTIONS: Look at the photograph(s) you are given. Discuss the different areas of composition listed below and arrive at a conclusion for each of the topics.

*Note: The questions listed below are to give you starting points for your analysis. Be sure to EXPLAIN your answers with specific detail. Just saying “yes the photo has balance” is not good enough. You need to EXPLAIN how that balance is achieved (or not).

ESSAY STRUCTURE (Body/Conclusion)

- The Body of each essay should be organized around the following four Main Ideas:

· Main Idea #1

o SUBJECT/CENTER OF INTEREST - Comment about the center of interest. Consider the following: What is the message of this photo? Is a message successfully conveyed? Is it to tell a story or share a feeling or emotion? What area of the picture does the photo draw your attention to the most? Is there a clear center of interest?

· Main Idea #2

o SUBJECT PLACEMENT AND BALANCE - Comment about the location of the subject (center of interest) and the overall balance of the shot. Consider the following: Was the rule of thirds followed? Is there symmetrical or asymmetrical balance in the shot as it relates to the center of interest? Explain. Is their motion in the picture and if so does it flow well in the photo?

· Main Idea #3

o BACKGROUND TREATMENT - Does the background contribute to the message of the photo? Is the photograph unified or are there things that distract the viewer away from the center of interest? How did the photographer compose the photo to achieve unity if there is unity? If there isn’t unity, explain what could have been done to improve this aspect of the photograph.

· Main Idea #4

o OTHER COMPOSITION TECHNIQUES – Discuss other aspects of composition. Consider the use of light and shadow, leading lines, framing, strong vertical lines or objects, diagonal lines, s shaped lines, contrast in color or shape, or any other points that you feel make this picture either good or bad.

- The Conclusion should summarize the main points you made in the body of the essay by answering the following questions:

· Could this photo have been made better in some way? If so how? If not, why?

· Based on your analysis and the main elements of the photo, what (in your opinion) is the main “Message” of this photograph

Choose Two of the following Photographs to analyze (Bonus points for a third essay)

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5