Close Reading

A close read, sometimes called an explication, is a detailed analysis of a small section of a “text,” such as a paragraph from a novel or a verse from a poem.

Traditionally applied to poetry and fiction, close reads can also be relevant to songs, commercials, films, even video games. Regardless of the text, the goal is always to uncover new meanings through a minute analysis.

For this assignment, you'll conduct a close read of TWO photos (100 words each in one essay—these are not separate short answer responses) from an iconic fashion photographer. You may explore any aspect of the photos that you like, but remember to keep your analyses precise. Unlike an general analysis essay, close reads keep their examinations very focused.

 Choose TWO of the following photos for you close reads:

Dovima by Richard Avedon for Harper's Bazaar (Sep. 1955)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twiggy by Bert Stern for Vogue (Nov. 1967) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natalie Wood by Gianni Penati for Vogue (Jan. 1970)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Buzzini by Herb Ritts from Men/Women (1989)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Claudia Schiffer by Ellen von Unwerth for Guess Jeans (1989)

 

David Boals and Mark Vanderloo by Bruce Weber for Banana Republic (1992) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madonna by Mario Testino for Vanity Fair (Nov. 1996)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gael Garcia Bernal by David LaChapelle for Interview (Nov. 2004)

 

  

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex by Peter Lindbergh for Vanity Fair (Nov. 2017)

 

 

 

Kesewa Aboah by Anton Corbijn for Vogue Mexico (Mar 2020)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required:

• MLA Style, including works cited
• 250 words (≈1 page)

Due: Fri 4.24 (via Canvas)