Active Looking Activity
See More in a Photograph
In this activity you'll be asked to take a closer look at some of John Collier Jr's photographs. Through guided examination you can become more proficient at analyzing and decoding images for information – who might have created them, within what context, using what tools and for what purpose. These fine-tuned observation skills can then be used on visual images everywhere, in print and on screen. In this simple activity you'll examine three images, looking for different qualities in each.
About This Activity
Rationale
Through guided examination of photographs, users become more proficient at analyzing and decoding images for information – who might have created them, within what context, using what tools and for what purpose. These fine-tuned observation skills can then be used on visual images everywhere, in print and on screen.
Historical information
John Collier Jr. took these photographs on behalf of a governmental agency during World War II. He was assigned to travel the country and captured images that conveyed specific moments or moods. Some of these images were eventually used in a campaign to convey messages about life on the American home front during the war years.
In the classroom
To do this activity in the classroom, download the activity worksheet. Using the on-line activity as a model, go to Flickr and choose a selection of John Collier Jr.’s photographs for students to explore. Divide students into small groups with one photograph. As a group, students answer worksheet questions with as much visual evidence as they can identify. Then, as a whole class, share answers, observations and conclusions. Can you draw any general conclusions about these photographs and what the photographer might have been trying to communicate? Use worksheet questions with other visual media, both historical and current.
Extensions
"Active Looking" skills can be applied to media everywhere, on screen and in print. We can all look more critically at information sources and actively interrogate the places where we get information.