Analyzing Photograph Worksheet
Source: http://www.sunysb.edu/~english/teaching/PHOTO.doc 

Angle:  From what vantage point was the photograph taken?  Imagine it was taken from a higher or lower angle.  How does the angle contribute to the photograph’s meaning or effect. 
 
 
 

Framing:  Consider where the edge of the photograph falls. What does the framing draw your attention to? Imagine what might lie outside the edges of the picture.  What might have been the effect of including more of what has been excluded?   
 
 
 

Light:  Would you describe the photograph as bright or dark?  Are there strong contrasts between light and dark or is the photograph muted in tone? How does this affect the mood of the photograph? 
 
 

Focus:  Are objects in the photograph clear or blurry?  Are some clearer than others?  What is the effect? 
 
 

Composition:  Close your eyes.  Open them and look at the photograph.  What is the first thing you notice?  Why is your attention drawn there?  Are there other centers of interest?  How does your eye move through the photograph?  Where does it come to a rest?  Why? Does any visual element repeat?  Does the photograph have a sense of unity or order?  How is it created? 
 
 

Meaning:  Based on all you have seen, what do you think the work is about?  What does it mean or communicate?  What words would you use to describe it?  What effect do you think the photographer wanted the photograph to have on the viewer? Is there anything in the photograph that works against its dominant effect or meaning?