Semiotic Effect in Visual Communication

Abstract

The paper attempts to define the term semiotics of photography. Approach to the theme was started from the concept of semiotics. Since the 60s of the last century, "semiotics", which studies the characters, has begun to affect changes in the humanities and natural sciences. After Ferdinand de Saussure, the study of signs focused on humans need labeling, especially on the logic of "communication" and disclosure "codes" that form the background of diverse cultural phenomena. Semiotics provides to understand in a different way, by language and framework, the link between the image and society. It is also a method that can be used to expose photos, studying mass media, literary texts and systematically analyze a number of other features of the popular culture. In the modern, technologically developed world, man is exposed to photos more than ever (billboards, advertisements, magazines, art photography... ). Visual impact, as the most convincing form of attracting attention, affects the formation of opinions and attitudes, encouraging consumption and serves in many other commercial or political purposes. Therefore, semiotics, science which studies signs and their meanings, is becoming more important scientific discipline in explaining sociosemiotic aspects of society. In the paper is analized the photo in a different context using semiotics to understand it. Assuming that the symbolism of the publicly engaged photos exposed to the public differs from those intended for the specialized or limited audience, will be attempted to prove that the former is expected to influence with emotions, more shocking attempt to attract attention, and the later let observers themselves to decode picture.