Reading a  Photograph*

1. Give the photograph a name which will help others identify it. What is happening in the picture?

2. What year do you think the photograph was taken? List evidence from the photograph which supports your hypothesis.

3. Explain how this photograph will add to our understanding of the historical time period.

4. What objects in the picture can you identify? Where was it taken? List every item found in the photograph. You should go into detail describing the number of people, their clothing, the number of different buildings, the type of cars, plants, etc. Also include information about the environment, such as the time of day, the climate, the season, and the appearance of the surroundings.

5. Why did the photographer take this picture? What new questions does this photograph raise? Write your questions and the sources you might use to answer them.

Note: When using photographs as documentary evidence it is important to remember that photographs can be staged or altered. Also, the photographer may be shooting scenes to represent a particular viewpoint. When using photographs for research, don't draw conclusions from just one print. Further sources must be utilized, such as historical records, other photos, books, or oral history.
 

Jim Crow Class

Little Girl

Wedding