J210 VISUAL COMMUNICATION: THE VISUAL ESSAY
due: April 4, 2013
OPTION A: PHOTOGRAPHY
This assignment combines the use of a simple device – the camera – with what we know and
understand about how we see images. Here’s what you need to know.
a). The Idea
One of the unifying concepts found in visual communication is perspective. From the way in which
humans view art, to the sense of perspective in designing advertisements, to that of the viewfinder
found in most media, perspective is a unifying force. As such, you will be focusing (pun intended) on
the use of perspective in different locations.
b). The Device
First, you will need to find a usable camera. You can have a DSLR, point-and-shoot, camera phone, or
a disposable film camera. The tool is not important, rather what you do with it will be. I’m not looking
for fine art quality prints, but rather clarity in communicating your view of perspective. My interest
will be on how well you use the concept of perspective as evidenced in your photographs.
c). The Object
Next, I would like you to find 5 different objects to photograph. Each object (and I use that term
loosely) should be of a different type. For instance, don’t shoot 5 different cans of pop or 5 different
street corners. Make sure each object offers you various points-of-view (perspectives). Shoot each
object from a minimum of 5 different perspectives. However you define the concept of “perspective” is
up to you. The only requirement is that each image you shoot must be from a different perspective. In
total, you should have 25 different images to work with.
d). The Output
Finally, I want you to take each set of images and write one to two paragraphs that discuss how the
different perspectives affect the viewer. For instance, you could write about:
 What effects do you see by looking at the same object from different perspectives?
 Does this image remind you of any photo genre? Why?
 What makes them different?
 What makes them the same?
 How does it impact the viewer, or perhaps, those being portrayed in the image?
You can put this into a digital platform (like a blog or web page) or into a traditional Word document
and send it to me (ahosterm@gmail.com for large files please). If that doesn’t work, you can upload it
to Box, Oncourse, or any number of other file sharing services and send me the link.
e). The Grading
I will be grading your project based on how well your images are situated against how you defined
perspective as well as your reflection on the questions above.
page 1
OPTION B: VIDEO
As you will discover, visual communication is not just about static images. Rather, it utilizes video and
audio components to create engaging and effective communication. To understand the relationship
between images, text, and audio, student groups will create their own visual essay that explores some
aspect of visual communication. It is my hope that this project will provide you with insight to both the
creative and analytical processes of visual communication.
a). The Groups
If you choose this option, then you choose to work on the project with another person. Choose wisely –
choose someone that you are comfortable working with and can help you succeed because both of you
will share the same grade.
b). The Theme
Groups should choose one of the following themes for their video:
 What is visual literacy?
 How do images persuade?
 What is the role of ethics in visual communication?
 How does color affect what we see?
 What makes for poor visual communication?
 How do comics teach us about other cultures?
c). The Plan
Pairs should brainstorm ideas on how to answer their “research question.” Think about such things as:
 What, specifically, do we want our viewers to know and/or understand?
 What research supports this goal?
 How do we achieve this goal?
 What types of visuals will we use?
 What type of audio will we use?
d). The Materials
Groups should develop visuals that will support your project’s theme. Visuals can come from a variety
of sources: digital images you’ve taken, print images scanned in, digital video you’ve shot, or from a
variety of other places. My concern here will be that the images and/or video you show is relevant to
your story. Images should not be chosen merely to satisfy the requirements of this course. Rather, they
should be chosen thoughtful attention to detail and storytelling.
As for audio, you should think about your goal. If it’s education, then narration might be more
important than a background soundtrack. If image saturation is your goal, then the opposite might be
true.
Stuck? Don’t know what to do? Here are some examples of videos that might give you inspiration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0_8HoI0-Ag&list=FLs5RWnW-BeiFOnp1SWszudw&index=13
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GESNRN_RrY&list=FLs5RWnW-BeiFOnp1SWszudw&index=8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP1sfLC8GkA&list=FLs5RWnW-BeiFOnp1SWszudw&index=9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqE_FLw4jns&list=FLs5RWnW-BeiFOnp1SWszudw&index=10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6lWlY5iMnI&list=FLs5RWnW-BeiFOnp1SWszudw&index=11
page 2
e). The Essay
Finally, in addition to the video, the group will submit a reflection essay that discusses the issues that
went into putting the video together. For instance, the group should comment on:
 What you wanted viewers to walk away with from viewing this video
 Reasons/rationale for images chosen
 Reasons/rationale for soundtrack
 Challenges or issues encountered while putting the project together
f). The Grading
Videos will be uploaded to either YouTube or Vimeo. Once uploaded, e-mail me (ahosterm@iusb.edu)
the link and reflection essay. The visual essay is worth a total of 200 points with the points broken
down as such:
 Project: 150 points
 Reflection Essay: 50 points
page 3