I. Observe, Describe, Connect
a. Observe: Take a few minutes to look at the image. Who or what do you see represented in the image?
b. Describe: Create a written description of what formal elements you see. Name everything you see in the image, looking at each part of the picture (color, line, shape, etc). Your description should help someone who has not seen the image to visualize it.
c. Connect: What do the physical properties such as color, form, and placement contribute to the image? Consider how formal elements impact the meaning of the image.
II. Question & Verify
a. Question: How is the image resolution? Is it clear or grainy? How big is the image? Is the image discolored?
Can you tell if the image has been cropped, scanned at a low resolution or otherwise manipulated?
b. Verify: Can you verify the image has the correct coloration and proportions by comparing it to other reproductions of the image online or in print?
III. Evaluate & Investigate
a. Evaluate: What information is provided in the metadata? What information is provided in the text surrounding the image?
c. Investigate: Can you find other sources (print and online) that further describe and contextualize the image?
IV. Infer and Hypothesize:
a. Infer: Assess reliability and accuracy of image sources based on evaluations of the authoritative sources you’ve consulted, your own point of view or bias
b. Hypothesize: What judgments can you make about image sources based on your evaluations of image and information quality?
Think about the source for your image. Does it provide any context or meaning regarding your image?
Sample of images retrieved when searching for "the Ghost and the Flea" retrieved in google images, 1.19.12