The minds of many are constantly interpreting and deciphering images. Usually these pictures are taken at face value, and not understood at a deeper level. However, taking an extra second to internalize what one has just witnessed can benefit a reader greatly. Everyone says "a picture is worth a thousand words" and it still rings true as there is so much that can go into creating any picture. There is no correct way to decipher an image as perspective is reality and perspective is different for everyone. It's not enough for a student to just say "this is a picture of a forest" rather one must look deeper into the image and realize how the colors affect the rest of the picture how think about what may have taken place at the time. After deciphering an image element for element, one can finally understand how many components go into creating even a simple photograph. For instance, this picture of the forest can be a representation of life when color, value, lines, and perspective are taken in to consideration.

The color of an image can directly relate to a picture and its message. Black and white images can have dark meanings while vibrant, color filled images can signify the latter. In relation to the current photo, the deep, bright green represents growth, nature, ultimately life itself. Every life form goes through a growth stage in their life, even the tallest of trees started off as a mere plant. Viewing this image gives me a sense of self-assurance; stay calm and follow the path life has carved out. The color of a photograph can entirely change the impression it leaves on a person and with the bright green of plant life this picture leaves a pleasant and serene notion on life for the viewer. 

Another element important to how the image is perceived is value. The values in an image play a major role in the overall tones.  The picture contains extremely optimistic tones; the darkest tone of the image is the fog, yet it still seems that what is to come will be rewarding. There is still of sense of assurance in the fog even though there is low visibility. That is how life should be viewed; just because one can't understand exactly where they headed doesn't mean they should panic. The lightest tone of the image is the bright green blades of grass that encase the path. This is the image's greatest feature because there is so much promise in these plants. The strong value that the tone represents should not be overlooked because the slightest change in tone could turn a benign representation of life to a malignant one.

Every bordering object in a photograph should be accounted for when breaking down an image. The deep and effervescent forest is an important bordering factor, but the tire tracks in the image make up the most important lines. These lines act as a contributing factor as to why the image clearly represents the journey of life. The tracks are curved to show the direction in life is never straightforward. However, they show progress, and the movement throughout life, cushioned with loads of foliage showing how life's course is natural. Accordingly, the lines within a picture withhold great deeper meaning than just tire tracks; rather they represent the path of life. 

The last element pertinent to this image is perspective. The picture varies from bright and clear to hazy and foggy. It easily could have started hazy and lead to a clear and open view. However, I see this image as the tracks lead towards the future of life. It is a blurred and unclear future, but with the surrounding serene tone the future seems promising. On the flip side, seeing the path from a foggy point of view may represent the struggle of ignorance throughout life into the final stages where one has finally acquired knowledge. It can also be seen as the peacefulness of death; the calming surrounding forest into still nothingness. However one may see the image, it is clear that from the actual perspective of the image, there is a path that has no ending in sight. A perfect metaphor for life; a course that is finite, but never clear as to which turn one will take and when the path ends. 

Using color, value, lines, and perspective, this image can be understood to be more than just a forest. Using color, the impression the photograph leaves completely changes. The tranquil green of the forest leaves the viewer feeling calm about the overall image. Moreover, the value of this image is extremely important as well. . The values in an image play a major role in the picture's tones and those tones represent optimism and tranquility. This also goes hand in hand with the lines of the photograph. The most prevalent lines are the tire tracks that run down the middle of the image. They symbolize the progression of life. Lastly, perspective is everything to an image. Perspective is why I feel this path depicts the long-term path life follows. 

