Reading

1.) The author argues that description and interpretation are two separate experiences that are often confused when they are perceived. Analyzing with a narrow mindset can hinder your ability to fully interpret and decipher a photograph.
2.) Barrett gives examples of different photographers and how they present their work as well as how critics judge their photographs. He also offers alternative viewpoints to the reader as to how to look at photographs.
3. a) Barrett defines description as a written representation and explanation of the context and subject of the photograph.
   b.) Barrett defines subject as the overall theme or depiction of what's represented, whereas subject matter is the objects that are portrayed and make up the picture.
   c.) Form is the shape the subject takes as light hits it.
   d.) Medium is what the photograph is made out of which can be manipulated to increase meaning and understanding of the image.
   e.) Style allows the photographer to be able to have a distinction from other artists by what they shoot, what they use to shoot with, and how the image is composed.
4.) a.) Comparing and contrasting is looking at one or two photographers and observing similarities and differences in their work.
    b.) Internal resources of information. External information is when critics use outside sources to help them have a better understanding of the photograph.
5.) a.)Barrett argues that it is hard to interpret an image without first having read the description because it is unethical to judge the picture without knowing what it is you are judging.
     b.) Barrett argues that people should be more neutral while taking into consideration the artists' description and the critics' judgment to decipher their own opinion more accurately. He suggests that critics influence others' opinions of artwork and encourages the "reader" to have their own opinion.
6.) The author reiterates the importance of descriptions of photographs. They allow the reader to have a better understanding and appreciation of the artists' work. It allows them to see something they might not have taken away from the photograph if they had not read it. They give context and important information to the reader and allow them to see the photograph in a different perspective while drawing their own conclusions and interpretations. I learned that the subject and the subject matter of a photograph are different. I always thought that what was portrayed in photographs was the subject, but the subject matter is what makes up the photograph. I also learned that descriptions are so important for the viewers' interpretation. Whenever I post on instagram or any form of social media, I don't think too much about the caption or description because I assume that people don't read them and are more interested in the content. The author concludes that the reader has to be able to analyze a photograph accurately through research and compare and contrast. This reading made me think of photography in a different light. I always assume that when people look at photographs, it is obvious as to what the photo is of but I understand that that isn't the case. I think we've become socially conditioned through social media to assume that people always "like" your photographs and they don't necessarily take the time to interpret them or have their own opinion. I think this mentality carries over into other experiences when looking at photographs by other artists in different contexts.