Can I identify the main features of print advertising?

Starter:What messages are conveyed through this CD cover?

Reading Images.

Reading Images.

Describing Visual Imagery Although our interpretation of visual imagery is

subjective, there exists a way of analysing visual texts. In order to think about what a picture is showing us we can think about what is illustrates superficially, but also what it implies beneath the surface.

THIS IS CALLED DENOTATION AND

CONNOTATION

CONNOTATION – what can be inferred from the image

• It’s a symbol of...• It represents....• It suggests....• It reminds us of...• It makes us think about...

• This is analysis.

What does the image denote?

So quite literally – tell me what is in this image.

The image denotes an exploding head. The head appears to be that of an old man and made of stone. The man is frowning and staring blankly out of the frame.

What connotations do the images have?

What have you inferred from the picture?

Do you think it is effective? Why?

Layout of images.

Who/what is in the foreground? Why?

What does the body language any people in the picture tell us?What is happening in the picture?

What are the colours used?What are the connotations of these factors?

Use of colour:This is a monochromatic poster – it is all in shades of grey, so the focus of the poster is unclear. The reader’s eye is drawn to the eye, as it is darker and stands out. The only use of colour is the red of the title, which connects to the ideas of danger and blood.

Use of image:The idea of a person’s mind breaking apart is indicative of the themes of madness and death, but also links to the idea of the film being ‘mind-blowing’

Use of font:The tagline of the film and the title are of similar size, so an emphasis is placed on the idea of ‘3D’. The use of writing that is a bit blood-like and edgy emphasises the theme of the film to the reader, and the reader’s eye is drawn to the pitchfork style of the ‘W’, connecting with the idea of hell.

Use of layout:The image has been placed in the centre, with the fragments of the person breaking out of the poster, creating a ‘3D’ effect to tie in with the emphasis on 3D. The tagline is placed at the top so that it is given prominence.

Look at layout.

Look at their posture.

Look at colour.

What are the connotations?

Look at layout.

Look at posture.

Look at colour.

What is he wearing?

What is in the background?

What are the connotations of these?