Signs and Symbols surround our quotidian life. Some of these signs are considered universal such as colors while other sign requires a more specific study. The study of the signs is called semiotics and is applicable to a wide variety of fields. However to be studied, it is necessary to look at the background of the sign for example the context or the social and cultural conditions. Photographers must pay attention to the context and there some main elements that have to be considered.
The photographers have to be aware of the semiotic, but semiotic is not the only method to decode and interpret photographs. Photographs are in fact used for many purposes as an evidence, or in relation to class, race, and gender.
In order to interpret semiotic is indispensable to use a specific terminology such as: signifier, signified, representament, interpretant, object, studium, and punctum.
Firstly is essential to recognize and understand the meanings of the words the signifier and the signified. A symbol represents something different. The signifier does not represent the signfied. However, in icons the signifier tries somehow to imitate the signified.
An indexical signifier is correlated to the signified. It is related to photography a photograph is a mark of the original subject. Two are the main points the capacity of technology of representing the world and the way the camera does it. Regardless the function and intention the audience will interpret the photos with the perception of truth and reality.
Many photographers claim that even if they take pictures in a particular moment or situation, they still have in mind their intention while others claim the contrary. Different are the cases sometimes symbols or signs are not predetermined, but a photographer who works in a constructed set, would have the time to insert signs and symbols.
The conditions in which the photographer decides to work is also relevant. A particular weather could bring a specific sign, for example, buildings in the night or landscape under a storm.
The essential is to reflect on the concepts of truth and reality. Because a photographer may not use traditional symbol or sign and it is up to the audience to interpret and understand.
Another mode to introduce signs and symbols is to use techniques like shutter speed, subject and lightning conditions.