Composition: The combination and integration of the various visual elements of an image into a whole text, including: shape, size, line, patterns, scale, angle, setting, foreground, background, centre.
Foreground: the front or focus of the image, most prominent part of the image
Background: setting or context, may be light, dark, shaded, blurry or sharp
Reading lines: focal point, Gaze/offer, layout/movement
Texture: smooth or rough
Colour: What colours are used? How are they used? Do they portray different characters? Are colours used as symbols? How is colour used to build atmosphere? For example, the colour red could represent life force, energy and passion. Sepia colours are often used to reflect past times and memories. Colour often has particular cultural significance. For example, red is also associated with prosperity in Chinese culture.
Colour effect
The composer of visual texts uses colour to obtain effects such as: SHADING, SENSE OF WIDTH AND DIRECTION LINES, DOTS, RUBBING, LIGHTING FEATURES, CONTRAST.
Contrast (Light): The intensity of lighting adds meaning and mood in visual texts. It may increase the dramatic effect of particular elements or romanticise the image.
Target audience: a particular group of a certain age, gender, lifestyle or other
Symbolism:
Use of a symbol that represents something else, particularly in relation to a quality or concept developed and strengthened through repetition. For example, freedom can be symbolised by a bird in flight in both verbal and visual texts.
Vectors: An item that directs our eyes towards a focal point, for example when the subject in a visual text is pointing or looking in a certain direction. As the reader or viewer, our eyes will follow the direction in which they are pointing or looking.
Framing, placement
Gaze: refers to where people are looking. We might think they are shy, rude, confident, thoughtful, and friendly or something else
Facial expressions:
Posture: the way people stand or sit
Clothing and physical appearance: clothes, hairstyle, jewellery, make-up, appearance; all influence our interpretations
Gesture: what people are doing with their hands, especially when communicating