How to Describe a Photograph

In this lesson, you will learn how to write a simple description of a picture.

1. Introduction

Start by saying what the photo shows in general.

• This is a photo of a family on a beach.
• In this photo, you can see some friends having a picnic.

2. Describing the location in the picture

Use these phrases to say where things are.

• On the left / On the right, there is a big tree.
• In the middle / In the centre of the picture, a woman is sitting.
• At the top / At the bottom, you can see the sky / the grass.
• In the foreground / In the background, there are some mountains.

3. What is happening? (Present Continuous)

Use the Present Continuous (be + verb-ing) to describe the actions in the photo.

• The children are playing in the water.
• A man is smiling.
• They are sitting on a blanket.

4. Describing the past (Past Simple)

If you know when the photo was taken, use the Past Simple.

• I took this picture last summer.
• We were on holiday in Italy.

5. Using Adjectives

Use adjectives to make your description more interesting.

• It was a beautiful, sunny day.
• She has long, dark hair.