Lesson 5 — Activity 2: Some Elements of Visual Communication
Completion requirements
Lesson 5 — Activity 2:
Some Elements of Visual
Communication
When communicating through visual representation, a great deal of time and thought can be put into the creation of the message. The more we understand about the choices someone made to create what we are looking at, the easier it is for us to understand
the
purpose
of the
communication.
One important part of most visual communication is the use of distance. In drawings, photographs, or videos, the creator of the message can choose where to place the people or things in the picture. Items in the background of the picture may be details that are less important for us to consider. Items in the foreground may be placed there because the artist wants us to pay more attention to them.
In photographs and films, several types of shots may be used to allow for a variety of views of the foreground and background:
One important part of most visual communication is the use of distance. In drawings, photographs, or videos, the creator of the message can choose where to place the people or things in the picture. Items in the background of the picture may be details that are less important for us to consider. Items in the foreground may be placed there because the artist wants us to pay more attention to them.
In photographs and films, several types of shots may be used to allow for a variety of views of the foreground and background:
In a close-up shot, the subject of the picture fills most of the picture or screen. We are able to see many details of the subject, and we can assume that the artist wants us to concentrate on the subject very closely.
A medium shot presents the subject of the picture in its
setting. This type of shot can be used to show action because we can see the subject as well as the surroundings. The photographer may be suggesting that there are details in the background to help us understand the purpose of the picture.
A long shot is one that is taken from a distance. This includes pictures of scenery or settings rather than a particular person or animal in that
setting. In this type of picture, the artist's message probably involves all elements of the shot.
In addition to choosing the distance from which to represent an idea or image, drawings, film, and videos can also use different angles that may make us think differently about the subject:
A straight shot allows us to look directly at the middle of the scene, as if we were face-to-face with the subject. This may make us feel that we have something in common with the subject or that we have the same perspective.
A low camera angle causes us to look up at the subject and makes the subject seem bigger or taller. This may make us feel that the subject is more powerful than we are.
A high camera angle causes us to look down at the subject and makes the subject seem smaller. This may make us think the subject is weaker than we are.
Digging Deeper!
Click the Play button below to watch a short video on the different types of camera shots and angles!