To read a photo means to interpret the photo, analyze it, dissect it, strive to understand it, and to derive meaning from it.
Break it down
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/79016783-757C-4AC4-9789-B90E1FDB7A86.gif?resize=480%2C360&ssl=1)
First step is to break down the photo and ask yourself:
What was the photographer’s intent here?
Furthermore —
How does the photograph make me feel?
Also a tip: use an app like Procreate to sketch and deconstruct compositions you like, and try to figure out what makes it tick.
For example the below photo, I love the direct eye contact of Cindy, as well as the triangular arm gesture.
Let the image marinate in your mind’s eye
When you read a photo, linger on it. Contemplate on how it makes you feel, and whether you feel the image empowers you (or weakens you).
In street photography, I like to photograph strong individuals. They inspire me to become stronger!
![](https://i1.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/325D1B5C-8A55-4D1E-8CE8-FFB2E2035ABF.jpeg?fit=640%2C966&ssl=1)
How I put together the image in procreate in ipad:
![Procreate layers](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/774514F4-A327-4398-B48B-47A3D4DED1A0.jpeg?resize=1200%2C1295&ssl=1)
Upload your photos to arsbeta.com
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/38AA8F93-2263-4AAE-91D8-8D5CAC9C7BD1-2000x1500.png?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Arsbeta.com is a great place for you to share your photos, to get honest and real feedback on your photos. Furthermore, you can give real critique on the photos of others.
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/3A8FB500-C954-47C6-B052-F74150FA2CFF-2000x1500.jpeg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
A cool function we added in ARS — the ability to ask for more detailed commissioned critiques.
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/DAC13C2D-6F9E-47D9-9F63-D5F57CC2D416-2000x1500.png?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
And this is the great thing:
By critiquing the photos of others, you can better analyze the photos of others and of your own photos!
Or in other words, critique the photos of others to become a better critic of your own photos!
Reading the composition
When reading a photo, analyze the shapes, forms, and composition.
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/876460C8-5B29-4802-A40B-35F5FCB7EACC.gif?resize=480%2C270&ssl=1)
Another tip:
When analyzing compositions, start off from the edges, then look at what’s happening in the center of the frame!
What’s the story?
![Fort Bragg Cindy](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/B0D49439-92D3-469E-93BF-9C1FCEA7D35F-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=1200%2C795&ssl=1)
When reading a photo, try to come up with a little story. For example, the relationship between the shadow figure on the bottom of the frame (me) and the silhouette of the person on top (Cindy).