Semiotics

Semiotics means the study of signs. It helps us to understand images and visual signs.

All communication is possible through signs.

Key names in the history of semiotics are Charles Sanders Pierce, Ferdinand de Saussure and Roland Barthes. All three influenced the development of semiotics.  

Connotation and denotation are very important when discussing semiotics. Denotation is literally what you can see, whereas connotation is what is inferred by the image or the emotional suggestions related to the image. 

The denotation of this image= Woman, with blond hair, wearing white dress, in the style of a wedding dress. 

Connotation of this image= It's her wedding day.  She's probably happy. The white dress also suggests purity and innocence,while it's in a style that is associated with Western weddings.