The research work for each of the tasks differs from task to task. The Pinhole project done over the summer would have given you a good grounding in how to go about putting together a good research project.
First page example
The basic requirement is you produce a page of images associated with the work you've been directed to look at or you have chosen to look at yourself. Photography is produced as sets of images, so be aware that it maybe you're researching a specific set or series of images rather than examples of all of the photographers work.
*The example here uses a painter rather than a photographer, but it's exactly the same approach that is required.
This should take 20-30 minutes to produce using Google images. (Use links from better websites to start to form your bibliography as you collate the images).
Bibliography
*Make sure you collate a Bibliography and use quotes within your work. The Quotes need to be identified as quotes by using Italics/different coloured text, indent and speech marks. They also need to be cross referenced with their source in the bibliography.
Second page example
Following the image page/slide. You then need to show that you have researched and identified the following..
Fill this 2nd page up with images and annotations that help to reinforce (Visually) the ways that the photographer make a living through their photography. This should include visual evidence (Images) of the following (See the link here).(1). The operational context of the images; e.g. what have they been produced for - what purpose do they serve, where would they typically be seen? Are they images that have been produced for a 'Personal project' driven by the photographer or have they been commissioned by a client?
Where do these images appear - where are they seen how are they used? Explain the operational context in terms of its genre. (See link here). Level 3 Photography resources: Types of Photographic Practice
(2). If they've been commissioned by a client/s who is the client. Explain what the clients does and how the photography is used. Where is it seen?
(3). Audience and Users. Who consumes/uses this photography, who are the people that it appeals to - how do they use it, why does it grab their attention and why is it of interest to them. Explain the audience in terms of demographic indicators... Age, ethnicity, class, sex, socio-economic status, education, interests?
(4). Progression value. Looking at the work and what you've learned through doing the research - how does it fit into your progression goals, why is of value to you as an aspiring photographic practitioner? What are the key take-aways in terms of your own practice and knowledge?
*You can fill up the page with general research about the photographer, images of the photographer and them in action with their cameras/equipment. (This is the least important part).
The 3rd Page Example
The 3rd page is the
visual language analysis. *Use the bold titles in your own work and write your content below the headings.
This is where you focus on one image and produce an analytical response to the image, analysing the visual content (Kylie Minogue lesson).
Typically this would include your own observations of aspects such...
Meaning/message/narrative, analysing whether the image works on it's own or whether it's a part of a series of images and lacks context if seen in isolation. Part of this analysis might include discussing whether it works in terms of the formula... Person + background + symbol + involvement if the image features a person.
Operational context; Is it apparent from the one image what type of image it is and its purpose? Explain how when looking at the image you know it's an image that suits that context. For instance what makes an image a fashion image, or what make an Art Image/photo what it is - how can you tell?
Composition: How has the image been composed? Is the composition conventional - adhering to the Rule of thirds - discuss and make observations.
Colour/Black and white: Analyse whether the image would be read differently if colour or B&W - what impact would it make if this was changed? Is colour or tone being used to bring attention to key elements in the image.
Props: Are props used in the image, what impact do these have on the reading of the image?
Body language/facial expressions/Poses: What role do facial expressions, poses and body language play in creating narrative?
Lighting: How is the light being used? What type of light is it - discuss in terms of whether it's point or diffuse light, whether the light is the correct colour or is there a 'Colour cast' if so, is this intentional and how does it impact on the reading of the image? Discuss the light in terms of it being Objective or Subjective - is the light being used to create drama or the opposite - why?
Use a floor plan lighting diagram to explain your analysis of the lighting - is this knowledge of use to you and your own ideas/development?
Location/background: Examine the background (BG) how does it link to the subject, what does it suggest? Does it help to tell the story or suggest things about the main subject/person. Is colour used and what does the colour suggest with regards the narrative of the image.
Depth of field/Shutter speed: What camera techniques have been used in terms of depth of field (DoF) or shutter speeds. What do these do to the image to enhance it or create narrative?
View-point: What impact does the viewpoint have. Is the viewpoint neutral e.g. the camera is at eye-level or is the photograph shot looking down or up at the model/subject - what impact does this have on the person/subject. What is the Photographers suggesting by adopting this approach?
Line: How is line and shape used in the image (You may have mentioned this in the composition section). Are there leading lines drawing your attention to elements within the image, are there frames within frames - people standing in doorways and similar creating a frame within the frame of the photo?
Quotes: If your research is detailed you might find others analysis or the photographers explanations of how these visual components are used in their work. Use these as quotes in your work.
