Firstly I think that the camera is the most important feature.  I think creating a sharp image with the right light levels mix with the right shot and angle is really important,  Shutter speed controls how much light will get into the image so it important to keep a close eye on that.

How does an image communicate meaning? Well its a mixture of lots of things, mainly focusing on camera angles,shots  and techniques while also focusing on clamps ( Costume, lighting, acting, make up/ hair, props and setting). You could also use the blumler and katz theory.  By focusing on mise-en-scene you can also create and carve a good story from one image. Using all the things I have spoken about, you can make the audience feel the image and really understand it on a more advanced level.  If you do all of this well you can not only make the audience understand the image but also make the audience feel emotion such as anger or happiness.