How to Interpret Visual Documents as Primary Sources of Information

The use of primary documents has long been the standard method of use for obtaining reliable information from a specific time period or for a specific event. Today, modern technology allows for many different primary resources, such as live media coverage, interviews, commentary and analysis. The technology of the past also provides examples of such primary information through paintings, photographs, maps, letters, journals and other written documents.

Answer the following guiding questions when examining photographs and paintings to use as historical references.

1. What do you see in the image? Describe details in each part of the photo.(background, foreground, left, center and right)

2. Who is in the photo or painting? What are the people doing? What is happening?
3. Where do you think the picture was taken? When? How can you tell?
4. Why do you think this photograph was taken?
5. What emotions might the photographer have been trying to create in the viewer?
6. Has the photographer emphasized or omitted anything in order to strengthen the message he or she wants to convey?

When attempting to gather specific information from one photograph, answer the following questions.

1. How are the people dressed? What can you learn from their clothing?
2. Notice their facial expressions. What feelings do you think the people are expressing?
3. How do people seem to be relating to one another?
4. Describe the buildings. Are they old or new? What is their purpose?
5. What technology is being used?
6. Examine the geographic features – landforms, climate, vegetation etc.

Students must note that not all questions are pertinent to all photographs or painting, adapt accordingly.