All visual images have the capability to tell a story and depending on how the photographer snaps his or her picture, the story may change. Visual images can be used as both a valuable and universal tool, across generations and cultures. Viewers need to be able to deep listen, deep look, and deep think when evaluating and reading images. Semiotics is a term that defines the understanding on how visual images create stories. Semiotics is the study of meaning, content and contexts of photographs. Claire Harrison explains “the meaning of signs is created by people and does not exist separately from them and the life of their social/cultural community” (Harrison, 48). Harrison describes how meanings can often mean different things in different areas or cultures. Within a classroom setting, a picture could be used as a launching point for critical thinking. It also has the capability to bring history to life. When teaching students to evaluate a still picture, the video named Explain the Image explains how you must become a detective, evaluating the five W’s (Who, what, when, where, why). Evaluating a picture can be integrated into almost any subject lesson plan (eg. history and language). It is a great way for students to become aware of surroundings and make sense of them. There are many different compositional decisions that a photographer must choose from to create an image. In the Steve McCurry’s video, he includes 9 photo composition tips in which a photographer needs to consider. A photographer is able to create strong viewer involvement by including the following:
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