Barrett Chp. 2

Barrett Chp. 2

1a. Barrett describes defines description meaning it’s when a person simply analyzes what they’re seeing. The person is asking themselves questions such as “what am I seeing, what is going on in the image…”. The questions a can either be obvious or not so obvious but that process helps you actively identify.

1b. Barrett states that subject and subject matter are different. Subject can be interpreted by one than described accurately. Subject matter has a specific description that is not as interpretive. When we describe subject matter we tend to classify it, and name it.

1c. Form is like the shape of something. It covers the “How” of a piece of content. Barrett mentions how it’s composed, arranged, and constructed. Form takes a view or critic in deeper to the understanding of a piece of work.

1d. Barrett refers to the medium as the core of the object. What specifically and exactly the object it made from. Understanding the core helps us understand the true and deeper meaning.

1e. Barrett describes style to be the similarities between work that creates a category for them to fir into. Categories can refer to time period, the artists, movement, location and other characteristics that make up the piece of work.

2a. Comparing and contrasting is something we and critics do when experiencing a photographer’s work. We either compare and contrast their own work or to other photographer’s work. This helps critics better analyze photographer’s works.

2b. Internal and External sources refer to other forms of information that analyze the photographer’s work. This can be reviews, interviews, and the history of photography. This is another way critics further analyze the work.

3a. Barrett refers to description and interpretation as two things that create balance within the art. They have to show the connection between the two so that there is a clear meaning behind the work. Description and Interpretation go together like peanut butter and jelly.

3b. In this case, description and evaluation stand in different spotlights. They don’t really compliment or balance each other. Description simply just states the who, what, when, where, why, and how of a piece of work. The evaluation actually judges the work and creates criticism in some cases. Hence the word “critic”.

4. I found this reading to be very interesting. The way Barrett broke down all the elements the make up photography made me realize how complex photography really is. Photography isn’t just a point ad shot idea. I think Barrett’s objective through this reading was to help the audience understand the depth within photography and how they all play a part in the beautiful balance and outcome of it. I think for me, the most interesting realization within this reading was understanding the difference between subject and subject matter. Understanding that helps me look deeper into what my subject is in my photos and make sure I’m grasping the quality I want.