Barthes (1977, p.19) expressed his view that a newspaper photograph is "an object that has been worked on, chosen, composed, constructed, treated according to professional, aesthetic or ideological norms which are so many factors of connotation". A newspaper photograph such as the one attached from the Sydney Morning Herald, combined with its headline, by-line and story is carefully put together to have maximum effect on the reader. One image is chosen over another as it connotes a message that the selectors of the photograph want to communicate. Had this photograph been taken so that we could see Simon Crean's face, the picture would have a whole different meaning. Likewise had the picture been taken when Kim Beazley wasn't smiling, the picture would signify something else, perhaps tension and disapproval towards Simon Crean.
The size of the photograph and the position it takes on the front page is an important code for the reader as it affects the attention given to the paper. The front page is often seen as the major selling point of the paper, it is what attracts the potential reader to buy the paper and to read further. The size and position is also an important signifier of the importance of the story and the image itself. The very fact that this picture took up such a huge proportion of the front page of the newspaper, sends a message to us that this story is of large significance, demanding our attention.
Most people would accept that this is a photograph of Labor politicians in parliament. These things are denoted. However for the reader to recognise these things in the photograph, cultural knowledge is required. I can look at this picture and see the denoted signs, such as the party members close together, a handshake between Simon Crean and Kim Beazley, smiling, strong colours, dark suits, red ties, and green background etcetera. However I recognise these things because I know what our politicians look like and a fully green or red room is parliament.