How to write about a photograph, as a critical analysis or a descriptive writing piece.

There are a few ways you can respond to an image or art piece:

Emotionally – This is when you write and explore the emotions that the work makes you feel personally and the emotions that the artist is trying to convey through the work. It may be important to address both sides of this when writing about works of art as they can often differ greatly.

Critically – Explore the art work thoroughly looking at the flaws and areas for improvement, alongside looking at the merits and the strengths that the work displays.

Analytically – Looking at the art piece logically. Do not assume anything and avoid talking about what you ‘think’ or what it ‘might mean’. Once you have done this, you can begin to talk about what the art work is inferring and what the message is. Finally, explain you reasoning for this, telling us what is causing you to think that.