Analysing a visual

[nacho]

Hi,
I was wondering how one would go about analysing a photo? I haven't done one before, but even then i think cartoons are easier in that they carry a sarcastic/comical meaning which is easy to pick up.
But an actual photo..that would be difficult would it not? It's open to so many interpretations. The article that goes hand in hand with this is:

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/blogs/national-comment/school-formals-a-time-for-celebration-not-discrimination/1994388.aspx

I've attached an image, any help is appreciated.
Thanks

[pi]

Just some hints:
- Why are they standing away from the school? And what does this represent?
- Why is the picture taken on an obvious angle?
- Why do the two girls have the facial expressions that they do?

I have written on this image before, but try and post answers to these questions.

[nacho]

The angle of the image? How exactly does this relate?
 I get the gist of it though, thank you.

[pi]

The angle of the image? How exactly does this relate?
 I get the gist of it though, thank you.

Its an abstract one, but it clearly wasn't done accidentally. The image is 'skewed' to one side representing the approach taken by the school to the issue.

On of my friends went further though: the image is not upright or 'straight' to reflect the sexuality of the girls. <-- However, I think that may be going a bit to far.

[iNerd]

The angle of the image? How exactly does this relate?
 I get the gist of it though, thank you.

Its an abstract one, but it clearly wasn't done accidentally. The image is 'skewed' to one side representing the approach taken by the school to the issue.

On of my friends went further though: the image is not upright or 'straight' to reflect the sexuality of the girls. <-- However, I think that may be going a bit to far.

Oh wow. I took your friends view and totally missed yours...
I think the more sexually orientated people would have picked up the second

[werdna]

Haha yeah, I think that would probably be going too far, it's always good to find abstract things in a visual, but try to avoid reading too much into it.

[nacho]

- them standing away from school means they are seperated from the school, suggesting they have seperate views? They choose to be outside of school and its' views, suggesting they will not conform

- the facial expressions suggest that they are unhappy, and have been mistreated. The girl on the right has pink hair, showing some sort of rebelliance in her character.

would this be on the correct path?

[werdna]

The girl on the right has pink hair, showing some sort of rebelliance in her character.

I wouldn't comment on this.. the colour of her hair was not something the photographer/editor had control over.