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The Abbey Road photo, from the Abbey Road Beatles album, was photographed by Iain Macmillan on August 8th of 1969. The photo was taken right outside of EMI studios on Abbey Road. In this image, the whole group is shown to be walking across the crosswalk in a single file, following John Lennon who is the leading member, followed by Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, and ending in George Harrison at the back. From the knowledge of knowing that this photo was taken right outside of a recording studio, my interpretation is that this photo is a regular image that portrays the group leaving the studio after recording. There are many interpretations of this image, and this is one I’ve seen and heard of often. Another very significant interpretation of this image is that it appears to be a funeral procession. A student named Fred LaBour came up with this thought, explaining that “The Beatles walking across the zebra crossing represented a funeral procession. John as the preacher, Ringo as the undertaker and George as the grave digger. Paul, being barefoot, was walking to his own funeral”. However, Paul only took out his shoes right before this image was captured, meaning it was not planned. This image is very old and very popular throughout the whole world, which means that there can be many different views on it. However, I see the first theory I mentioned every time I see this picture. 

Rhythm is significantly shown in the image, as the four men walk across the crosswalk. The group is in unity and their steps are symmetrical, giving viewers a sense that they are all walking at the same pace and in an orderly fashion, one after another. It allows for the image to feel complete. Another element that is greatly shown in this image is pattern, it’s shown in two main ways. Firstly, how the group appears one after another, almost completely symmetrical and secondly, how the cars parked on the sides of the street all line up and continue to repeat all the way down the street.

I think that the photographer is allowing for people to have an open mind when interpreting this picture since there is not an exact set meaning, it’s unspoken. However, I believe that it is an amazing picture, especially with the appealing bright colours, considering it is such an old image. Also, when noticing the used elements, I have an even better and more inspiring view on the image.