Reading Media Photographs

source: here

Nonverbal Gestures

Hillary is speaking in a serious matter using her hands to explain her point. Donald is standing straight with his arms by his side, behind Hillary.

I can infer that Hillary is speaking on an important issue and persuading the crowd with her point of view. Donald seems to be watching Hillary a little uninterested or questioning. He seems as though he is waiting for his turn.


Facial Expression

Hillary's face has a very serious and stern look on it. Her eyes are looking into the crowd and her mouth is in motion. Donald has a questioning expression on his face. His eyes are squinted and looking at Hillary. His mouth is in a sort of frown, and his head is slightly leaned back.

I infer that this means Hillary is speaking about apolitical issue, trying to persuade the crowd and get them to agree with her. Trump is questioning Hillary and sort of looking down on her, as if her words are all bogus and wrong. Trump does not approve of Hillary in this photo.


Body Language 

Donald is a few feet behind Hillary. He is also wearing a red tie. Hillary is closer to the camera.

I infer that Donald is placed a few feet behind Hillary to make him look bigger and therefore more powerful. His red tie also implies that he is powerful and strong as red is a power colour. Hillary is closer to the camera making her smaller. This makes you think that she is less important or powerful even though she does have the microphone, i.e the attention of the crowd.


People

There are two people in this photo, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Hillary is 69 years old and Trump is 70. One male and one female. They are both Caucasian.

Both people in the photo are running to be president of the United States. They are also both white and old as hell. I infer from this that as old, Caucasian people, it is assumed that they should/do have more power over what goes on. Not to mention the fact that the male in the picture, Donald is looking at the woman in a belittling way. This just shows the sexism still faced in today's society.


Clothing

Hillary is wearing a navy and white pant suit. Donald is wearing a navy and white suit with a red tie.

I infer from this that both persons are dressing in colours of the American flag to show they're devotion to the country itself.


Background

The background is mostly a plain blue and white floor and wall with people sitting and watching Hillary as she speaks.

This shows that the people who attended the debate are paying attention to what the candidates have to say.


Camera Angle

The camera angle is slightly above eye level.

This angle blurs out the background and Hillary, putting the emphasis on Donald Trump. They did this on purpose to catch Donald at a bad moment because he is looking down on Hillary (literally with this angle). By using this angle, Hillary appears at the front of the photo a little "lower down" and Donald is behind her staring down in a questioning way.