Describe before locating
Record the visible shapes and colour relationships without first naming the place. This reveals how much of the image works as an abstract arrangement.
Find a scale cue
Look for a feature that suggests distance or size. If it is absent, note how that changes the experience rather than assigning a scale from intuition.
Read contextual information
Compare your initial impression with the caption or exhibition text available with the work. Keep that supplied information separate from what the photograph alone can establish.