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The Power of Images


At the Schools of the Future Conference I attended a session titled, “The Power of Images”. Having a background in photography, I have always been trained to notice the significance of imagery in everyday life. From billboards to magazines to posters and websites, pictures play an important role in developing a sense of emotion and delivering messages. 



During the session, Alison Beste brought up the concept of visual literacy, “the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from information presented in the form of an image, extending the meaning of literacy, which commonly signifies interpretation of a written or printed text.”

So how to we feel when we look at imagery? Here are some prompts to consider:

-Describe what is in the photograph.
-What do you like about the image? Dislike?
-How does the image make you feel?
-What is happening in the image?
-What questions do you have?
-What do you think the image is about?
-What is the artist (or you) trying to say?

Now that we know some of the questions we should be asking ourselves, take some time to view these famous historic images. What emotions, thoughts, questions come to your mind?
 




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