Aperture

ISO(400)Shutter Speed(1/4)Aperture(22)FocalLength(55)

















ISO(400)Shutter Speed(1/200)Aperture(5.6)Focal length(55)





Reading Response #2

1. The author is working to impress upon the reader that the work of photography is a work of art. And every photo has a meaning, that of a metaphor. To interpret the photograph is to understand the meaning and what the photographer might’ve had as an idea behind the work. The interpretation of a photograph is the conviction of a belief and understanding of the true intentions and meaning behind a work. That is what this author is trying to portray, the importance and particular ways that interpretation is used in photography.  

2. He uses examples such as The three Interpretations of Eleanor, a system of interpretation that includes three ways in which to interpret a photo. He also uses examples of different styles of interpretation such as comparative interpretation. With all these examples he often uses other photographers and interpretations to show specific examples of the types of interpretations. He specifically uses all these different examples to support the idea that without a knowledge of some of if not most of the various ways to interpret a photo; would cause flaws in the interpretation. He repeatedly refers to an idea that the most “right” interpretation is the most confident one; weak ones just don’t have the same effects.   

3. Interpretation is the meaning, the understanding and the visual understanding of an image. A photo could be seen as a metaphor, to interpret an image is to look beneath the visual appearance and try to understand the deeper meaning behind and within the photo itself. Is the photo simple in look with the stark meaning of the meanings of life. To interpret is to use techniques but also a personal eye to see what could you understand what a photo is really meant to be about.

4. Barrett puts forth the idea of interpretation to be important in criticism of photographs by using criticism as almost a tool to better understand. Critiques according to Barrett often use interpretation to aid in opinion and to a claim. The idea of a critique are made through interpretation of a photo as well as other means of the actual photo. Adding interpretation adds the meaning of why a critique has formed a certain opinion about a photograph or photographs.

5. I think that Interpretation, Meaning and Personal Significance is a very interesting point to make because in examining a work of photography, it’s important when making an interpretation that there's a distinction between meaning and interpretation. Interpretation being a true idea of the metaphor behind the painting compared to a meaning which is much more personal idea. Both go hand in hand but Barrett makes a point that although both work together to create an interpretation and often meaning and emotions can help create a stronger interpretation, the interpretation needs to have the meaning that relates directly to the picture not just the emotions that the photograph makes us feel. Interesting because visual is such a powerful thing that sometimes it can cloud judgment of what is really happening in the photograph and how it actually makes us feel as viewers.

6. The author is using this passage to demonstrate that although interpretation is a unique opinion among an individual, an interpretation can and often needs to have similarities because a true interpretation or a “right” interpretation is the version that is true to the photograph and makes sense with context to what is depicted; as well as the opinion of the interpretation.

7. This passage is making a key point that although the photographer took the photo, they may have no prior thought or intention as to why they took the photo. They might know or have a previous intension or interpretation and often times it can cause a viewers original interpretation to sway in the direction of the mind of the photographer and not as of a fresh set of eyes. This is a good section to just keep a viewer aware that it is the viewers job to create and have an interpretation of the piece, and not the photographer.

8. I learned that there are so many more ways to interpret a photo than i imagined from a biographical interpretation that could involve a huge history behind what a photo might be portrayed as. And where it’s location could impact the interpretation or reason for the photo. As well as a whole interpretation that relates to time styling and period. A photo that was taken by a young photographer in london of a timed piece in brazil could have such a drastic change in the interpretation of the photo. Both of these two new ways in which I had no previous knowledge of when it came to interpreting a photo.

9. The author sums up by relating back to all the information referring to it as an interpretation community who works to create ideas and knowledge combined with critique and opinion to create an idea unique to the individual. While also relating it to the photo and what is actually visible and what could that mean. And who and what and where and why and so many more questions that can lead to a strong evidence to support an interpretation.