Useful tips (Полезные советы для описания фотографий)
Information on artist and year of origin
… (image) is a painting by … (artist), painted in … (year).
… (image), painted in … (year), is a work by … (artist)
… (artist) painted … (image) in … (year).
… (image) is a famous painting by … (artist).
The photo was taken in/at/during....(time)
What is in the picture?
In the picture I can see ...
There's / There are ...
There isn't a ... / There aren't any ...
I can see ...
There's / There are ...
The photo/picture shows
Say what is happening with the present continuous
The man is ...ing
The people are ...ing
It's raining.
The picture depicts/ shows / … (scene).
The picture was taken in/at/near … (place).
The picture depicts/ shows / … (scene).
Where in the picture?
At the top/bottom of the picture ...
In the middle of the picture ...
On the left/right of the picture ...
In the middle of the picture ...
On the left/right of the picture ...
in the foreground
in the background
next to
in front of
behind
near
on top of
under
If something isn't clear
It looks like a ...
It might be a ...
He could be ...ing
Maybe it's a …
It seems as if ...
The lady seems to ...
Maybe ...
I think ...
... might be a symbol of ...
The atmosphere is peaceful/depressing ...
I (don't) like the picture because ...
It makes me think of …
The characters look as if ..
I think / guess/suppose it is…
Maybe /Perhaps they are…
I´m not sure but, they could be…
They seem to be taking part in…
It´s not very clear but, probably…
It can/could/might be a scene of…
I can´t quite make it out but, perhaps…
I suppose/believe/think/guess
What I think about the picture
I think that…
In my opinion…
As far as I'm concerned…
I might say that…
I'd say that…
I'd suggest that…
I strongly believe that…
I can't help smiling when I look at this photo.
Impression
… gives the impression of depth.
… (person) seems to look at the viewer.
His / Her eyes seem to follow the viewer.
The figures look as if they exist in three dimensions.
The viewer has the impression that the people in the picture are alive.
The viewer's attention is focused on …
To the alert eye it will become apparent …
The viewer finds it difficult to withdraw his eyes from …
The painting is vivid / happy / expressive.
The picture makes the viewer feel … (sad/happy)
The picture inspires the viewer to think about …
Intention
The artist mainly uses … (colours/forms/…)
Important elements are highlighted.
The artist / photographer / painter uses … to express …
He / She (probably) wants to criticise / express / show …
The artist certainly wants to raise the controversial issue of …
It is obvious that the artist wants to criticise / express / show …
What the artist / photographer / painter wants to criticise / express / show is …
What the artist / photographer / painter wants to point out is …