Describing Photographs
Description contains specifics
of a picture or a body of work; it goes from technical information related with
the numbers defining exposure, shutter speed, aperture, quantity or
reproductions, the date, frame also the price. Specifics as the medium, for
example if it is digital or film, the scale, technique or creative process, the
author’s name and inspirations, a possible concept, the style, an artist
statement. Sometimes comparison may take place. How the audience perceives the
work. The way the artists approach his work and what is the intention or the
motive. If the work could be describe as abstract or documentary, candid or stage work, etc.
Subject may be a
reason for an image; the subject is specific while the Subject Matter opens a
door to different opinions, an interpretation or intention. It can be abstract
and the composition of the subject a representation, a motive.
Form is an element
that could represent shape, the display or arrangement and the composition of a
body of work. Form is also the way the work was accomplished and how it is
presented to the audience.
Medium refers to the
specific material is being use by the artist to express his creativity. It could
be a combination of different materials to convey the artist expression.
Style is the
artist choice to express himself or his art. It may combine several ways
directly related with the author’s skills, experiences and ways to represent it.
Author should be recognized by their style.
Comparing &
Contrasting
I would describe it as two different methods to judge a body
of work. Comparing would be between two similar images, or not while
contrasting would describe characteristics between different or opposite.
Internal and
Internal Sources of Information
Internal information conveys data related very close to the
author’s background, personality, experiences and motive. External is more
about sources from press releases, previous work, critiques, and interviews.
Description
& Interpretation
Description is accomplished by detailing different elements of
an image while interpretation represents the meaning of the elements; it could
be positive or negative, relevant or not for the author or the audience.
Description
& Evaluation
Again description is the detail or specific about an image
versus evaluation that determines the value, the artist approval, and the
validation from the viewer.
I found this reading very informative; examples add valid
information to identify Barrett’s intention. Barrett offers the reader
remarkable information and examples of very important photographers, he
encourage and inspire his audience.
