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Norberto Cardenas

Dr. Nelson

English 1301 119

October 14, 2022

Visual analysis of learningherbs Instagram post

An image of a weed growing on the sidewalk presents contrast: a wild living organism against a

structure created by humankind (Fig. 1). An Instagram page by the name learningherbs posts

precisely this: an herb situated at the cracks of cement. The plant—a dandelion, that is

sometimes thought of as a weed—grows green leaves with bright yellow flowers; the leaves are

rough and spikey—an aspect that makes the plant appear wild and invasive. The pavement is a

uniform gray and the structure of human society. This photograph manner is intriguing because it

creates so much contrast and puts a spotlight on a plant, a dandelion—a weed? Learningherbs

posts this picture to entertain their audience and to artistically express themselves. The picture

itself tells a story: a resilient plant that can grow anywhere.

The contrasting colors in the image show that the plant and the sidewalk are not alike;

thus, the image emphasizes two central ideas. The two central ideas are the sidewalk and the

herb. Much like society, the cement is gray and artificial, and it is familiar to us. Meanwhile, the

herb is natural; to the artist who took this picture and plant lovers the image must also bring

familiarity. The two objects are so different in color, yet they are together in the photo. Why?

The two subjects appear to the viewer to be competing: Society versus nature. And, in this case,

it appears that the photographer wanted nature to win, for they put the spotlight in the plant.

After all it is in a center frame and far more colorful. Clearly, she is sharing this picture to fellow
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herbalists in the hopes that they will click on her Instagram account. The contrasting colors help

explain that the two objects are different to each other and that they are the two main subjects of

the photo.

The close-up shot of the photograph highlights the dandelion, so it puts more attention on

the healthy-looking plant growing in foreign land; the dandelion is resilient. The appearance of

other living organisms is vacant; thus, the dandelion must be a strong plant to grow in conditions

that seem to be unsuitable for its kind. The author shows the herb as an organism that can grow

anywhere. The purpose of the solo portrayal of the plant is to produce a feeling of amazement:

“Wow this plant grows anywhere!” A Close-up of the dandelion highlights the plant and shows

the reader that the organism is adaptive. 

The vibrant color of the dandelion atop the walkway draws the attention of the eyes

toward the plant. Deep green and bright yellow significantly stand out from a monochrome

background. The defined colors of the plant have a deeper meaning: it signifies a healthy plant.

The plant is While some may be impressed, others will perceive the plant as intrusive. To get

back on track, the attention to the dandelion defines the main topic of the picture: the dandelion

plant. The viewer can quickly synthesize feelings about the photo since the purpose is clear.

Compared to the solid background, the colorful dandelion causes the eyes to divert to the

photograph's primary subject and start to think about their relationship to the image. 

Positioning the dandelion in the middle of the frame also highlights the main subject that

the author wants to show. Putting the herb right in the center of vision definitively states the

obvious: that the dandelion is the centerpiece of the visual text. Placement further creates ideas

about the meaning behind the work. The main object is the dandelion. The positioning of the

dandelion in the center frame clearly defines the ultimate focus that the author was capturing. 
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However, there is a matter that must be discussed; not everyone is going to have the same

interpretation of the picture. Like a yin and a yang there is going to be an opposing point of view.

To some, the picture is going to create discomfort—mainly non plant lovers. The dandelion is

most often recognized from the label covers of weed killer products and weed killer TV

commercials. Sadly, some people might just want to rip out the plant. This in part is why the

author most likely uploaded this picture; they themselves might know this controversy and want

to address it with a picture. It could be argued that the authors main purpose was to convince

others of the plants beauty.

All in all, the images clashing objects and the color and positioning of the two elements

display the feelings that a user might get from looking at the image—emotions of familiarity or

strangeness. Taking a closer look at this photograph’s deeper meaning was very interesting

because it revealed aspects about the image that wouldn’t be noticeable at first glance. The

analysis revealed that the author was trying to persuade and entertain viewers. The author is

trying to reach two types of audiences: plant intellectuals and non-educated people on the subject

of herbs. The author wants to challenge the perceptions and opinions that some may have about

the subject: the dandelion. The photographer aims to tell the reader that the dandelion plant is

resilient and that it should be embraced. This review of this image proved to be important

because it revealed the importance of an influencers presence.

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Appendix

Figure 1. Instagram post by

learningherbs. Instagram,
December 31, 2021.
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Work Cited

Instagram post from learningherbs. Instagram, December 31, 2021.

https://www.instagr

am.com/p/CYKQU

vwPRHs/.
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