VISUAL
REPRESENTATION
Object/Shape/Figure
• This advertisement is of 3 men, running towards
the ocean with surfboards in one arm. In the
distance are the red and yellow lifeguard flags.
• No high-rise buildings in the distance, or any
buildings whatsoever.
• Only greenery, the sand and blue skies.
• The large text at the top says ‘Arrived in the
search of the ultimate break. Departed having
found paradise. The image represents Australian
beaches as relaxing, fun, safe and isolated.
Size
• The people in the photo are relatively small in
relation to the background, especially in
comparison to the sky.
• The background (palm trees, red and yellow
flags) look as if they are in the distance.
• Although not the main subject of the image
are still represented, therefore having some
importance.
Setting
• The image is set on a beach in Australia. The
sky is blue, and there are hardly any clouds
thus setting the mood for the image, as bright
and happy.
• There are no buildings in the background,
possibly suggesting serenity and tranquility, a
getaway from the city life.
Colours
• The colours in the advertisement are bright,
and summery, suggesting the happy and
relaxed atmosphere of the beaches in Australia.
• Bright red and yellow flags in the distance also
help in emphasizing this.
• The colours used do not really denote a specific
gender role.
• The men in the photo have tanned skin, which
shows that they spend a lot of time in the sun
at the beach.
Position
• Male surfer is positioned in the middle centre
(foregrounded), but another 2 male surfers are
in the background. This is the main centre of
interest.
• Palm trees behind the beach are also in the
background along with the red and yellow flags
• Text is positioned in the left hand corner as we
read from left to right
Direction
• There is no eye-contact in the advertisement
• Surfers are facing the beach as if about to go
for a surf
• Makes the viewer
want to join in with
them
Angle
• Although there is no eye-contact, the image is
shot pretty much at eye level, side on. Which
gives us a sense of equality which is a big
theme in Australian beach culture
Light
• Although the sky is not that bright, the lighting
gives across the sense of a happy and free day.
• The golden sand shines quite brightly compared
to the other colours presented in the image.
• Gives the viewer a reminder of how it feels to
have “sand between their feet”
Body Language
• Cannot really see the facial expression of surfers
• The men are running towards the ocean, and
their body posture gives us a sense of excitement
and are ready for anything
• All male surfers have the body language of a
strong and fit Australian male which supports the
stereotype of male gender roles held in popular
culture today.
Clothing
• Clothing worn is the typical beach clothing for
Australia, fitting in with what the
stereotypical Australian would wear at the
beach
• Reflects the Australian beach culture and
Australian culture in general.
• Gives across the impression of the quite
chilled and easy-going ways of Australians