
Visual texts have the innate ability to convey an emotional and powerful message without the use of a single word. At first glance, the image seems to convey a simple, surface-level message; however, careful observations prove that the image’s message is more complex and intricate than previously noted. This photograph shows a Caucasian family gathering to celebrate through food and fellowship. I argue that intense analysis brings commonly overlooked details to the forefront of the image and has a significant impact on the original message of the photograph.

This photograph shows a traditional American family, including two grandparents, two parents, and two children. Each member of the family seems truly happy to spend quality time with one another. The children are behaving well, and it seems as though the family has just taken their seats and started eating. The grandmother has yet to do so because she is bringing a bowl of mashed potatoes to the table. Also at the time of the photo, the grandfather is slicing the turkey. Their willingness to prepare and serve shows that this gathering is being held at their house.

Through a series of analyzations, the viewer can also determine the time of the photograph. An initial observation may be that the family is eating turkey, and they must be gathering for Thanksgiving. However, the table is decorated with red, green, and gold ornaments and four of the six family members are wearing red. The decoration and colors in the photograph prove that it was taken at Christmas, not Thanksgiving. Their attire also assists in determining the weather outside. Everyone in the photograph except the young man appears to be wearing long sleeves, so viewers can assume that it is rather cold outside. Shadows cast by the cupboard and the unlit candles in the background are not lit prove that it is sunny outside even though it may be a bit cold. The presence of the sun shining through the window also proves that the family has gathered for lunch, probably around midday.

It appears as though everyone in the photograph has directed their attention to the young girl, with the exception of the grandmother who is serving the meal. The vibrant smiles among the faces of the family members show that the girl may have just told a joke or said something funny. It also appears as though the grandfather was intently slicing the turkey, then paused and looked up to ask his granddaughter a question. He possibly asked her how much turkey she wanted, and she responded by saying she wanted the entire turkey. A conversation of this nature would cause the members of the family to have such bold smiles and appear to be laughing.

With close examination of the men in the image, one may notice that neither of the men are wearing wedding bands. However, the elderly lady and elderly man are married because she is wearing her diamond. There are a number of possible reasons why these men would not have their rings on at the time of the picture. The elderly man’s fingers may have swollen over the years, and his wedding band may no longer fit. As for the younger man, he may actually be the brother of the younger lady, and she may be a single mother. Another possible explanation for this could be that he removed his ring to wash his hands before eating and forgot to put it back on or that he removed it to help his in-laws prepare the meal. The viewer may assume that if the younger couple is in fact married, the older people in the image are the parents of the woman. She is sitting rather close to her father, and her mother who is standing at the time will probably sit on the other side of her where there should be an open seat.

Once could also determine the socioeconomic status of the family by this photograph. Unlike many average American families, members of this family are eating on what appears to be fine china. The grandparents probably use the cupboard in the background to store their china when it is not in use. The table is also lined with a white fabric tablecloth. Average families tend to stray from using white tablecloths because they are easily stained. Instead, they would use a plastic tablecloth or no tablecloth at all. The family also appears to be rather health-conscious. Everyone in the picture, even the young girl is drinking water. In most cases, a young child would choose tea, lemonade, or a soda instead. The meal consists of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and peas. The bright green color of these peas proves that they are not sweet peas. The family’s use of expensive décor and choice of healthy foods provide the viewer with additional information about their lifestyle.

Through careful observations of a seemingly simple photograph, minor details increase the viewer’s understanding of the image exponentially. By studying just what is shown in this image, a viewer can determine the family’s relationships, socioeconomic status, and even the weather outside and time in which the photograph was taken. When analyzed, a photograph of a traditional family gathering becomes much more than just an image; it becomes an outlet for telling the story of a family that values quality time during the holiday season. 
