Topic 13. Visual Information and Media

Lesson 1: Definition of Visual Information and Media

Visual Information and Media refers to images, graphics, videos, and other visual content that communicate information effectively. It helps people understand concepts faster and more efficiently compared to text-based media.

Lesson 2: Makers of Visual Information

·  A painter refers to a person who produces a work of art with colors, lines, and shapes using paint as medium. A painter is also described as an artist because his work is artistic in nature.

·  Taking pictures or images using a camera is the photographer’s primary job. A photographer can be classified as either an amateur or professional. A professional photographer uses his skills to deliver an image that would best represent a certain theme.

·  A graphic artist or designer sets the images, illustrations, charts, and tables on the manuscript. He is also responsible for the artwork and design using electronic media. Apart from books and magazines, an experienced graphic artist or designer can create and layout brochures and other advertising materials.

·  A sculptor creates a piece of art using a variety of media, such as clay, marble, wood, or even ice.

Lesson 3: Types of Visual Information

1.    Painting is an art form that creates pictures using a flat mediums, such as canvas or board, and paint.

·  Landscape - A landscape painting shows an outdoor scene. A landscape artist uses paint to create images of land, water, and clouds, as well as other elements like air, wind, and sunlight.

·  Portrait - It shows an image of a person or animal. It resembles how the person looks like and captures the person’s mood or personality.

·  Still Life - A still life shows inanimate objects as subjects, such as musical instruments. It could also be flowers or food on display. A painter can show his artistic skills in painting shapes, light, and shadow.

Some of the earliest examples of still life are paintings of flowers by Dutch and Flemish painters.

·  Icon - Refers to a painting of Jesus Christ or other religious figures identified with the Roman Catholic Church, which proliferated during the Byzantine Empire.

2.    Photo/Image - Photo is an image taken by a camera. It can tell a story or even let the viewer feel emotions by just looking at it. Photos are also used as evidence to document historical events.

·  Personal Photo - Often used for school ID or passport, a personal photo is usually a formal shot.

·  Family Photo - It shows a picture of the family usually taken during special occasions, like Christmas or New Year, where all or most family members are present. The family photo usually serves as a family memorabilia and often hangs on the wall of the living room.

·  Photojournalism - Real-life scenes are captured by photojournalism as they happen. It could show a concert on school grounds, a rally on the streets, or a sports event.

·  Yearbook or Graduation Photo - It shows student’s life while at school. It serves as the student’s remembrance of his stay in school

·  Landscape Photo - This type of photo captures spaces within the world that are perceived either as vast and unending or microscopic. A landscape photo usually captures nature but can also capture man-made feature or disturbances of landscapes.

·  Nature and Wildlife Photo - This shows image of nature, life trees and animals in the wild or in their natural habitats.

·  Fashion or beauty photo - It displays images about fashion, and usually shows models wearing new lines of clothing. This photo also captures the prevailing image of beauty and the diversity of beauty.

·  Wedding Photo - This is a photo that captures the marriage ceremony and the reception of the newlywed couples or couples celebrating their wedding anniversary. A wedding photo is a treasured family memento.

·  Travel Photo - Wonderful and interesting places to visit are captured in travel photos. It can be a historical place or a place where the traveler became enthralled.

·  Underwater Photo - It shows the interesting marine or freshwater life under the sea.

·  Religious Photo - It shows religious message of something sacred that could inspire the viewers to strengthen their faith in God.

·  Perspective Photo - Line up objects, people, places, or things along with a subject to capture a perspective plot. This kind of photo can used as a marketing tool because it allows the photographer to utilize his sense of creativity in manipulating objects or images.

·  Panoramic Photo - It captures images on a wider format. One needs a wider aspect ratio to capture a panoramic image. This way, there is an unobstructed view of a vaster area. In the early stages of panoramic photography , images were captured at an angle of 150 degrees with moving cameras. With today’s technology, it is now possible to get a full 360-degree image with sophisticated cameras that rotate. Usually, a panoramic photo captures landscape scenes or even city skylines.

·  Digital Infrared Photo - An illusion of a ghostly appearance to images shot on bright, sunny days are created by this type of photo.

·  Time-lapse Photo - It captures a moving object or a subject in motion. This involves continuous shooting of the specific subject at different time intervals.

·  Macro Photo - It brings out the minute details of the chosen subject, which are not normally visible to the human eye.

3.    Sculpture - A sculpture is an example of a three-dimensional artwork that can be made using clay, stone, metal, or other materials. A sculpture shows a replica of the subject or model.

·  The Oblation - The University of the Philippines’ iconic symbol, the Oblation, is the work of National Artist for Visual Arts Guillermo E. Tolentino. The Oblation depicts a man facing upward, with arms outstretched. As a state university, the Oblation symbolizes selfless offering of oneself to the country.

·  The Statue of Liberty - The Statue of Liberty is an iconic neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, New York City in the United States. It was made by artist Frederick Auguste Bartholdi. It is a token of friendship from the people of France to the United States and a universal sign of freedom and democracy.

4.    Cartoon or Comic Strip - A cartoon of comic strip shows illustrations or drawings arranged sequentially in boxes. The main character of this strip illustrations depict different characters that are drawn in cartoon. A comic strip narrates an amusing story. It usually appears in newspapers or made as a comic book.

5.    Graphs and Charts - A graph pertains to a diagram, which is a series of one or more points, lines, line segments, curves, or area. It shows variables (numerical figures) which corresponding interpretation illustrating a trend or phenomenon. A chart shows information through a table, diagram, or graph.

6.    Billboard and Poster - Billboard refers to a large outdoor board containing text information and images or designs posted as a form of advertisement. A poster is similar to a billboard but is much smaller. A poster is also used as means of announcement or advertisement.

Lesson 4: Characteristics of Visual Information and Media

·  Powerful and Engaging – Captures attention more effectively than text alone.

·  Easily Understood – Can convey messages without the need for words.

·  Emotionally Impactful – Can evoke emotions and influence behavior.

·  Versatile – Used in entertainment, education, advertising, and communication.

Lesson 5: Formats and Types of Visual Media

·  Static Visuals – Images, drawings, posters, infographics.

·  Dynamic Visuals – Videos, animations, GIFs, presentations.

·  2D Visuals – Flat images, illustrations, cartoons.

·  3D Visuals – Holograms, virtual reality, 3D animations.

Lesson 6: Sources of Visual Information and Media

·  Primary Sources – Original images, photographs, artwork.

·  Secondary Sources – Edited or manipulated visuals (e.g., stock images, memes).

·  Tertiary Sources – Collections or databases (e.g., Google Images, Pexels, Shutterstock).

Lesson 7: Advantages and Limitations of Visual Media

Advantages:

·  Easy to understand and remember.

·  Appeals to different types of learners (visual learners).

·  Enhances engagement in learning and communication.

Limitations:

·  Can be misleading – Edited visuals may distort reality.

·  Interpretation varies – Different viewers may perceive visuals differently.

·  Can be manipulated – Fake images and deepfakes spread misinformation.

Lesson 8: Visual Message Design

Visual media is effective only if it is designed properly. The Visual Message Design process ensures that images, graphics, and videos communicate clear, meaningful messages.

Key Principles of Visual Message Design

·  Simplicity – Keep visuals clean and uncluttered.

·  Focus – Guide the viewer’s attention to key elements.

·  Aesthetics – Use colors, shapes, and fonts effectively.

·  Accuracy – Ensure visuals present correct and credible information.

·  Relevance – Visuals should match the message and audience.

Lesson 9: Selection Criteria for Evaluating Visual Information

To determine if visual media is reliable and valid, students should apply the TRAPS Test:

·  Trustworthiness – Is the source reliable and credible?

·  Relevance – Does it match the topic and purpose?

·  Authenticity – Is the visual manipulated or altered?

·  Perspective – Does it show bias or distortion?

·  Source – Where did the visual come from?

Lesson 10: Design Principles and Elements for Visual-Based Presentations

When creating visual presentations (e.g., posters, slides, videos), students should apply design principles:

·  Contrast – Use different colors, fonts, or sizes to highlight key points.

·  Alignment – Keep text and images well-organized.

·  Proximity – Related elements should be close together.

·  Balance – Visual weight should be evenly distributed.

·  Repetition – Use consistent fonts, colors, and layouts.