John Thomson's China – Lesson 02

Handout 02-A | Printer-friendly PDF file


Photo Analysis Guide: Juxtaposition

Each group has been given a photo that juxtaposes aspects of Western culture with aspects of Chinese culture. Analyze your photo for juxtaposed elements and the messages they create.

1. What is the focal point of the photo—that is, where is your eye drawn?

2. Where is the focal point within the photo—foreground, background, other? Is it centered or is your eye drawn to a corner or side of the photo?

3. What is the secondary focal point of the photo—that is, what other elements in the photo draw your attention?

4. Where is this secondary focus in relation to the first, and to the frame of the photo?

5. Describe the contrast or tension created by these two aspects of the photo.

6. The photographer had choices in composing the photo; he could have framed the shot in other ways. How could he have framed this photo to eliminate the contrast or tension you describe above?

7. What message about China and European culture could the viewer take from the photo?

8. Do you think this message was accidental or intentional? Why?

• Table of Contents | Lessons:

• 01
  • Teacher Instructions for part one
  • Teacher Instructions for part two
  • Image 01-Sample
  • Image 01
  • Handout 01-A: “The Five C’s”
  • Handout 01-B
  • “How to Read a Photograph” PDF
  •  
• 02
  • Teacher Instructions
  • Image 02-Sample
  • Image 02-A
  • Image 02-B
  • Image 02-C
  • Handout 02-A
  • Handout 02-B
  • Lesson 02 Mini-database
  •  
• 03
  • Teacher Instructions
  • Lesson 03 Mini-database
  •  

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