Questions for "Reading" a Photograph

1. What is the subject of this photograph?

2. Can you determine the location of this photograph?

3. What do you think was the purpose of the photograph?

4. Do you think this photograph was staged or candid?

5. Describe this photograph--the people, the scene or setting, the activities, etc.

6. What do the details --clothing, accessories, facial expressions, body language, activities, products, etc.--tell you about the people in this photograph?

7. What are the strengths of using this photograph in learning about the past?

8. What are the weaknesses of using this photograph in learning about the past?

9. How does it compare with other sources for learning about the past? Is it contradicted by other sources or does it strengthen your overall knowledge of what is happening at this time and place?