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The Photographic Message

  1. When thinking about design. Write about an example of emission, transmission, and reception. Expand on each category, analyzing how the designer can understand each one therefore creating, through the use of design, effective communication.
    1. The emission stage refers to the origin of the message being conveyed through the design and imagery. In the example of a painted mural, the emission stage would involve the artist or designer who created the mural and made the initial conceptualization of the message they wanted to convey through the artwork.
    2. The transmission stage refers to how the message is conveyed through the design and imagery. In this example, the mural itself serves as the medium of transmission, communicating the message to its audience. The actual creation and painting of the mural is also part of the transmission stage.
    3. Finally, the reception stage refers to the interpretation and understanding of the message by the intended audience. In this example, the community and individuals who view the mural serve as the source of reception. They are the ones who experience the message and interpret its meaning. The message conveyed through the mural may have different interpretations for different individuals, and it is during the reception stage that these interpretations take place.
  1. What does a photograph transmit? in comparison to imagery created?
    1. A photograph is an image that captures a moment in time and is a representation of reality. While it may not be a direct representation of reality, it is a close approximation and allows us to perceive the details, such as depth, color, and perception, as if we were actually there in the moment. The photograph itself shows the specific scene that was captured, including the technical aspects of the image such as lighting, composition, and exposure. On the other hand, the term “imagery” refers to the subject matter or content that is depicted in the photograph. In other words, imagery encompasses the ideas, emotions, and concepts that are conveyed through the image, beyond just the physical attributes captured by the photograph. Thus, a photograph can be seen as both a technical representation of reality as well as a means of conveying ideas and emotions through imagery.
  2. Try to understand the difference between denote and connote. Write about any experiences you have had using photography to denote versus to connote. Note any differences in your experiences if you have worked creating documentation photography versus artistic photography. Then ask yourself, can a photograph ever be denotative? based on the fact that you have learned language and have knowledge. If yes, what kind of photographs are denotative?
    1. Denotation refers to the literal or objective meaning of an image, based on its visual elements such as objects, people, or settings. It refers to the straightforward representation of what is depicted in the image without any additional meaning or interpretation.
    2. Connotation, on the other hand, refers to the emotional, cultural, or symbolic associations that an image can evoke beyond its literal meaning. It refers to the subjective and cultural  interpretations that a viewer brings to an image. For example, a photograph of a flag may have a denotative meaning of representing a country, but its connotations may include patriotism, nationalism, or cultural identity.
    3. I find that I often see this in current events and news-based photography. Without context or a direct connotation to the image it is often more literally interpreted. When viewing photography I find that I often view the denote before applying a connotation to the photograph.
  1. A photograph that is taken, but does not have a context outside of itself, denotes something. Though the photographer composed, selected the film, time of day, etc. (all these elements can be argued that it does create some connotation) if the photographer uses universal means to take the photograph and does not construct a context then denotation takes place. If the photographer uses other elements to create “a code” or a context then connotation takes place. 
    1. For a photograph to be denotative, it means that the image represents the literal aspects of what is depicted in the image without any additional cultural or emotional associations. 
    2. For example, a denotative photograph of a person may simply show their physical appearance without any added meaning, while a denotative photograph of a building may accurately show its structure and architecture. A denotative photograph is concerned with what the image represents rather than what it means or is implied.
  1. Describe each one of the connotation procedures.
    1. Trick Effects: Trick effects refer to the manipulation of original photographs or images to create a false representation of reality and convey an alternative meaning. The goal of trick effects is to exploit the credibility of the original image and use it to convey a false or misleading message.
    2. Pose: The pose of a subject in a photograph can greatly impact its meaning and the connotation conveyed. For example, a subject standing straight with their arms crossed may convey a defensive or unapproachable demeanor, while a subject sitting relaxed and smiling may convey a friendly and approachable demeanor. By carefully positioning the subject, the photographer can influence how the reader perceives and interprets the image.
    3. Objects: Objects in a photograph can help to emphasize its meaning and significance. These objects can range from recognizable items such as clothing or tools to more abstract elements like color or light. The inclusion of objects in a photo can also serve to add contextual information and help the reader understand the setting or situation depicted in the image.
    4. Photogenia: Photogenia is a theory that refers to the physical qualities of a photograph that contribute to its meaning. This includes aspects such as lighting, exposure, printing techniques, and other technical elements of the image. The way in which a photo is created can greatly impact its overall aesthetic and the emotions it evokes in the viewer.
    5. Aestheticism: Aestheticism refers to the coded and ambiguous elements in a photograph that contribute to its overall signified meaning. This can include elements such as color, composition, and form. By using these elements in a purposeful and intentional manner, the photographer can create a photo that is aesthetically pleasing and conveys a specific message or mood.
    6. Syntax: Syntax refers to the arrangement of multiple photographs in a series that are interconnected through their corresponding signified meaning. By linking multiple images together in this way, the photographer can create a larger narrative or tell a story through the series as a whole. The syntax of a series of photos can be used to highlight similarities and differences, create a sense of progression or change over time, or simply add depth and complexity to the overall narrative.