semiotic analysis - bbc

This image is a medium long shot of Mason Greenwood after scoring a goal. Having Greenwood in focus compared to his team mate, Scott Mctominay in the back, brings the readers attention on to him and tells us he is the most important aspect of this photograph. Rule of thirds is used by having Greenwood’s whole body in the centre third and his arms outstretched in the other 2. His teammate being in a separate third to him reinforces the fact that he is the most important subject in this image. His arms being outstretched towards the camera is a physical form of direct address getting the audience, particularly fans of Manchester United, involved in the celebration, this being the final of 6 goals scored and all. This photo was clearly taken at night so it is expected that the stands will appear darker having less light on them than the pitch but the lights being on and highlighting greenwood and McTominay really, again, reinforces him being the “star of the show” in this particular image. The colour of the football kit also make the players stand out compared to the dullness of the background and the dark colour of their shorts. The light reflecting off their shirt and the light colour of their shirt connotes happiness and joy and tells us that this is a celebration and something to be happy about. The body language of both subjects in the image tells us that they are happy, arms outstretched signifies joy and celebration and it is clear that our, less focused background, other subject is experiencing happiness and adrenaline. It is clear, without any knowledge other than this image, that a goal was scored by Mason Greenwood, ven without knowing who Mason Greenwood is or what team he plays for. With more knowledge, it would be safe to assume that the goal was made by a McTominay assist seeing as he is the only teammate in shot there to celebrate with him, possibly just the first to react. The empty stands behind our players create meaning by serving as a reminder to audiences that football is currently being played behind closed doors and while it is clear that these two players are celebrating a goal, it is a shame that there could not be fans of the team to be there to celebrate with them. The absence of fans also makes the image seem more calm than it might otherwise as we can not rely on the, home or away, fans reactions to show us the environment without being there. The empty stands also make the photograph darker because if the stadium was filled with fans wearing team colours, or otherwise, it would not appear so dull and the stadium lights would be illuminating their clothes, hair, faces etc. the outstretched arms from Greenwood, knowingly towards the camera, could be symbolic of the lack of fans, reminding them that, even though things are bad at the moment and they are not able to celebrate their 6-2 victory together, they will be able to soon and Greenwood is waiting for them. This could also be reinforced by his teammate’s reaction as he is celebrating but not reaching outwards - telling us that he is just happy to be playing football and scoring (or helping with) goals regardless of whether the fans are present or not.