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Visual Literacy

Composition
the combination and integration of various
elements of an image into a whole text
Centred- an element placed in the centre of the
composition.
Margin- the non-central elements in a centred
composition are identical or near-identical.
Framing- determines the amount given to the
viewer. It may also signal a social relationship
with the viewer.
Given/New- The visual element(s) on the left
hand side may represent given or already
known information, while the visual element(s)
on the right represent new information.
Ideal/Real- visual elements at the top represent
the ideal or generalised essence of the
information, whereas the elements at the
bottom of an image represent the real,
consisting of more specific, practical
information.

Reading Path
a sequence that guides the eye

Relationship with Viewer


Demand- the participants of the image (person,
animal) look/connect with the viewer to
constitute a demand.
Offer- the participants do not look at the
viewer.
Angles- can suggest particular relationships
between the viewer and the image.
Horizontal angles- connection
Frontal angle- involvement with the persons or
objects in the image.
Oblique angle- detachment with the persons or
objects in the image.
Vertical angles- balance of power
High angle- the viewer is looking down on the
represented person- more powerful position.
Low angle- the viewer looks up to the
represented person- less powerful position.
Eye level- the point of view is one of equality.
Social distance- different relations between the
represented participants and the viewer.
Close up- intimate distance
Medium shot- social distance
Long shot- public distance
Visual Features

Salience- the degree to which an element


draws attention to itself due to its size, position,
colour, tonal values and other features.

Lighting- can be used to add meaning.


Bright, exposed lighting- harsh, stark,
dramatic. Softer, muted light- romantic feel.

Vectors- lines- abstract or actual- that guide the


viewers eye across an image. They may be
objects or part of objects (such as arms, legs, a
pole) or invisible lines, such as the direction of
gaze from a represented persons eye to another
person or object.

Tone- the degree of lightness and darkness of a


monochrome or coloured area.

Connection- the degree to which an element is


visually joined to another element.
Disconnection- the degree to which an element
is visually separated from other elements.

Saturation- the degree of depth or purity in


colour or light.
Hue- shade of colour.
Symbols- visual signs or shapes (including
letters, numbers and punctuation).

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