Week 2- Analysis of an Image

Photography Seminar: Week 2

In this seminar we were set a task to analyse an image using a set of questions.

What time period, decade or year do you think this photograph was created in? What visual cues support your choice?

Although the decor of the diner seems like it’s from the 1960s, because of the woman’s clothing and her hairstyle, I think that this photo was taken some time between the late 90s and the early 2000s. The quality of the photograph and the richness of the colours also hint that this photo was taken in the last 20 years as it could have been enhanced with editing. I believe the photo was taken around Valentine’s Day because of the heart decorations and the edge of the banner on the left side that says “DAY”.

Where in the world was this photograph taken? Again, please detail your reasons for asserting your choice.

I think that this photo was taken in North America. I think this because the setting of the image looks as though it is a classic American diner with the red cushioning and the American ‘Leinenkugel’s’ bottle light in the corner of the room.

In a short paragraph, how would you describe the key visual elements of the photograph? What is contained within the frame?

The photo is of a corner of a diner. Almost the entirety of the decor is red and there are hearts and a banner in view. There is a table in the bottom of the shot with two glasses and an ashtray on it. On the left side, there is a large window with the blind pulled down but not blocking the light. A string of fairy lights frames it. In the top-centre, there is a light in the shape of a beer bottle connected to a series of large plugs. In the bottom-centre, a woman is sat in the corner of a booth. She is looking sadly and longingly into the middle distance.

How is/are the human subject(s) of the photograph engaging with the camera/photographer?

The woman is sat in the bottom centre of the image. Her body is facing the camera but she is looking away to her left. She is aware of the camera but is not directly engaging with it.

What, if any directions do you think the photographer may have given to the subject(s) of the photograph?

I think that the photo was staged and the woman is aware of the camera because it’s pointing directly at her and no one else and the photographer will have had to set up his camera to make this shot as focused and framed as well as it is. I think the photographer may have asked the woman to pretend the camera isn’t there and to look sad and lonely.

What do you believe the photographer wants, you, the viewer to take from the image?

I think the photographer wants the viewer to understand that the woman in the photograph is feeling lonely on Valentine’s Day. The two drinks on the table could indicate several scenarios such as the person she was expecting left or never showed up in the first place. Judging by her facial expression, she is possibly looking at the person as they are leaving or thinking about them. Overall, this image is a depressing take on being on your own on Valentine’s Day.