Visual text allows for a viewer to interpret a message more effectively than a written text could. In the photograph Candy Cigarette, by Sally Mann, there is a young girl holding what appears to be a cigarette, and two children turning the other way. The main visual and design elements used in this photo are space, color, scaling, focus and light. Mann effectively uses these elements to defend her position on how children in modern society are growing up too fast. 

Visual text is unique because of the way it displays its message. Unlike written text, there are many components that a viewer looks at to interpret what lies in front of them. Analyzing an essay can be broken down into a few simple categories, such as the author's thesis, main points, theme and evidence to back up a possible argument. When it comes to analyzing a photograph, it is much different and has more room for interpretation. To properly interpret these visual texts, the visual elements of design must closely be studied. 

First, the viewer must closely look into how Mann uses lines in this photograph. Are lines a large part of this picture? Also, what type of lines are used, are they a straight line such as a ladder, or a curvy line such as a road? The lines in this image are mostly straight lines. They are not the main part, and do not create much of an outline. The direction they give is to shy the viewer away from the background.

The next design element to look into is focus. In the image, if there are any parts that are clearer than others they typically have more importance. Blurred parts of the image are considered to be out of focus, and have less importance. The focus of this image is the young girl in the center of the photo. She is the sharpest out of the three people within the photograph. The girl with the candy cigarette in her hand grabs the attention of the viewer, but not necessarily society, because their backs are turned on her. The two children that are blurred are shown as less important and a smaller part to the message being conveyed. If they were meant to be a larger part of this photograph, they would not have been blurred out, and the viewer would have a better understanding of them.

Unlike written text, color is a large part of the message in a visual text. Although color photography was readily available during the time period this was taken, the photographer chose to leave out color for a reason. The lack of vibrant color effectively creates a mood for this picture. Black and white gives a more serious feel and asserts power. The choice to shy away from color relates to this message.

Contrast is another large element, that when effectively used, conveys a strong message. Contrast can be as simple as light and dark, or big and small. The main contrast used in Candy Cigarette is with the girl "smoking." She is dressed in white, with the dark, dreary background illuminating her. The difference between light and dark helps the eye focus on her more than the other two children in the picture. The photographer wants us to focus on the girl because the rest of the photo is ignoring her.

Shadows are not as relevant in this picture, but can be in other visual texts. It gives a piece of an image a three-dimensional look to it and helps it stand out. Although there aren't many shadows in this image, the few that are present are used very well. They help to suppress the sections of the image that aren't as important and focus on the direct message.

The shape and structure of an object, known as form, is another key element to be looked at in this image. Within the photograph, the configuration of the three children is the main form. The girl in the center is up close, most easily recognized, unlike the two other children. They stand out because of the three-dimensional figures that they are. 

Symbols are the largest part in creating an interpretation for any type of text. In this photo the main symbols are the young girl, the two other children, the cigarette and the background. The cigarette in the girl's hand appears to be lit and ready to be smoked and because the girl is very young, it created a disturbing scene to look at. If the title did not indicate that it was only a candy cigarette, many could question what's happening within the photograph. The two other children symbolize many parents in life who turn their back on children. They are shying away from the main girl as if they are disappointed and ashamed of her.

The message this photo displays can be interpreted in many ways. The girl with the candy cigarette is in focus, staring at the camera, showing this picture is based around her. She looks exhausted, disappointed and confused, trying to find a way out. The young girl appears to be smoking a cigarette, which is frowned upon in today's society, especially for children. The image conveys that children are growing up to fast. What happened to the childhood that everyone seemed to have years ago? Today it is a struggle for children to grow up because they feel obligated to fit in. While trying to fit in, bad habits are picked up along the way because of the influence their parents and peers have on them. The two other children seem to have no clue what the main girl is up to. They are turned away, similar to what parents do to their children. Parents get caught up with many other things, and turn their back on what their children do right in front of them. The color and lighting really influence the message and mood that the photographer tried to convey in this photograph.

The elements of design in a visual text are what make this photograph effective in delivering a message. They are unique to many because they do not show the message in words necessarily, but the deeper meaning has to be looked into. In this photograph, Sally Mann perfectly used these design elements to create a mood. The viewer is touched when seeing the young girl who appears to be smoking a cigarette. It is unexpected, and shows how children have changed over the years. They grow up differently and don't experience childhood the same way as past generations. Also, the two other children symbolize parents, who are turned away from what is happening in front of them. Parents overlook their children more often nowadays, and let many things slip right past them without even noticing. This image is powerful, and effectively conveys a strong message to parents about their children growing up too fast.

