Fine Art Photography

How to critically analyse a picture 

Denotation - the literal or primary meaning of a word 

This is an image of a woman who looks very elegant. The image is in black and white which focuses your attention on the detail within the image rather than the colours. The lighting is very soft which enhances the idea of the model being very elegant and graceful. The image looks as though motion is trying to be created however the photographer has froze the motion rather than capturing a blur. The model is wearing a white dress which resembles a ball gown. 

Connotation - an idea or feeling which a word invokes for a person in addition to its literal or primary meaning

I believe that this image has connotations of the model being angelic. I think this is because of the fact that the image is black and white and also because she is wearing a white dress. The colour white is associated with purity and therefore I think the photo may resemble elegance and beauty. The way the dress is sitting in the image looks as though the image was taken in just the right moment. I believe this could have links to the idea of fate and the fact that something is meant to be. The fact that the model is wearing a dress that resembles a ball gown could have connotations of the beauty of dance and also the idea that women take pride in their appearance. 

Punctum - a small, distinct point. Personally touching detail which establishes a direct relationship with the object or person within it. 

The punctum within this image is the facial expression of the dancer. The way that she is looking down and holding her hand above her face reflects elegance. Although the dancer is performing a challenging dance she still makes an effort to look angelic and beautiful. This has connotations of the elegance and dedication towards dance. This could also show that she is very passionate about dance and maybe even that the model is extremely experienced in dance. 

Studium - The overall and instant response to an image. 

An elegant woman dancing. 

Fine Art Photography

Fine Art Photography - Photography created in accordance with the vision of the artist as photographer.

Fine art Photography is a visual art whose products are to be appreciated primarily or solely for their imaginative, aesthetic, or intellectual content.

Below are some examples of fine art photography. 

This is fine art photography because when looking at this picture it requires you to think about a hidden meaning. For example when looking at this image I immediately think that this resembles a ghost however there are so many more interpretations of this photo which you can explore. 

This is fine art photography because this may just look like an image of a flower but it requires you to think about the meaning of the image. For example the flower is slightly dying which could suggest that everything must come to an end. The photographer may be trying to show the life cycle of nature.  

Commercial Photography - Photography created with the intent of making the end user money; essentially, photography for commerce and business.

Below are some examples of commercial photography.

This image is commercial photography because it is advertising a record. The thought process behind creating this would have been how to make as much money as possible from this image. This is a form of advertising. This photograph will have been used for a business.