School Magazine Textual Analysis Example

Image Analysis

 This image could be found as a screen shot from a mystery or thriller type programme or horror movie. The reason for taking the picture is unknown, but it could be assumed that it was taken to create a sense of tension and uncertainty within the audience. It could even have a purpose in order to make the audience think about how this may relate to them in some way – as if they are being watched. If a historian in the year 2400 looked at the picture, he/she might think that this picture represented a higher authority having control or breeching human rights over people.

This picture could be found as the cover of a greeting card or on a calendar maybe, or even in a children’s book. The reason for the picture being taken is unknown, however, it could be assumed that it was taken to create a fantasy or dream world, as a means of escapism. If a historian from the year 2400 looked at the picture, he/she might think that although people were quite practical and sensible, they still had a sense of imagination and creativity, as the image can be seen as quite surreal.

School Photography Task

This image is representing the school in a positive way. It is a bright, sunny day and the sky is blue, creating a positive atmosphere. With the more dominant subject being the tree and therefore the nature surrounding it, the school is seen as less of an urban setting. The students in the picture aid the school aspect and can either connote a hard-working tone or a more relaxed tone.This shot is similar to an establishing shot, as it makes clear to the audience the initial settings.

This image represents the school in a negative way. The litter shown is in the foreground, drawing more attention to it. The connotations of leaving litter around is that of a less disciplined area, which is the opposite of what is expected of a school environment. This image also creates juxtaposition, due to the content analysis; in the background a person is seen walking away from the litter, which could imply that they had been littering.

By themselves, both of these images can be seen as polysemic and maybe even be cause for negotiated reading in some cultures. Especially the bottom picture, as this just looks like a pair of aliens or robots of some sort. However, when seen together, both these images aid each other in their meaning and therefore aid the audience when decoding them.

Therefore, when seen together, the two images connotate the London 2012 Olympics. This is recognised through the content analysis showing the London 2012 logo and the Olympic Rings, which anchor the image, therefore implying that the 'aliens/robots' are the mascots for the Games.

This image connotes anger and irritation, which is created by the mid-shot of the subject. His body language and facial expression are the main elements of the picture which have been encoded to give this effect and make this the dominant preferred meaning for the audience. For example, the subject's body language is very tense, showing that he is clearly not relaxed. The fact that he is wearing smart clothing and has one hand on his hip and the other pointing at, what could be assumed as an inferior subject, gives him a sense of authority and control over the situation.  

This image is a complete contrast to the previous one. Both subjects have a direct mode of address and both look happy, creating a more positive tone compared to the other image. Although the man still has his hand on his hip, he is in a more relaxed position, which is also complemented by his happy facial expression. Overall, this two-shot creates a more friendly atmosphere to the image.