The expectation is to have 3 slides/pages of research.
*See note at the bottom re higher grades
To attain the higher grades you can't simply use internet research, you have to use a range of research methods- secondary, primary and empirical and a range of sources. Using the internet will get you a pass, but if you're aiming for the higher grades your research has to be far more robust and in-depth and include...
Hard-copy; Journals, magazines, newspapers; Videos and TV; primary research interviewing, emailing and talking to real people; Gallery visits, museums, libraries.
Slides/pages...
Page/slide (1). a page of images associated with the photographer/artist that you've chosen to research who will inspire your initial set of images.
Page/slide (2). Details that relate to
- The operational context of the work you've specifically chosen to influence your work. What kind of work is it, where is it seen, who commissions it (Client) and who is it's audience (Demographic details). Use images were possible to support your investigations and claims.
- How does the photographer make a living from their photography, is it sold as art, do they only do this type of work, what other work do they do, who have the worked for previously, where is their work published, what is their specialism. Use images were possible to support your investigations and claims... screen grabs of lists of clients, galleries where their work is shown/sold, art auction websites etc.
Page/Slide (3). The single image analysis
This relates to deconstructing and analysing the images in terms of the visual language tools used. Use one single image and explain how and why it works as an image, discuss whether it is clear whether the image is easily understood to be what it is e.g. if it's a fashion image, what is there about the image that we recognise as being indicative of a fashion image. If it's an art image - how do we know that? Think about a 'Lay-person' would they recognise the image for what it is?
- Narrative Is there a story behind the image? Explain the story, what is the image communicating (See the list of concept words) on teams.
- Light How is light used to convey meaning and mood, again refer to the list of concept words.
- Body language and facial expressions what impact does this have on the reading of the image?
- Use of props what impact does this have on the reading of the image?
- Background what impact does this have on the reading of the image?
- Use of colour what impact does this have on the reading of the image?
- Use of framing and composition what impact does this have on the reading of the image?
- Use of viewpoint what impact does this have on the reading of the image?
- Use of texture/shape/form what impact does this have on the reading of the image?
- Vibe/mood/feel what is it and how has it been achieved through the use of light, equipment, colour and other components listed above?
Environmental and Ethical
You have to have a section within the work that discusses ethical concerns relating to your Photography and or photography on a wider scale. *This would have been created in a previous body of work and can be copied over into the current work and improved or embellished further. You can add additional information as you become increasingly aware of Ethical concerns and issues related to your photography or photography in general.
The same applies to the Environmental aspects.
Flying and travelling
Digital files - data centres
Camera production and renewing of equipment now compared to pre-digital cameras
Use of chemicals
*Higher Grades
The distinction criteria indicates... "Comprehensive and imaginative research is used to inform and direct activities".
With this in mind your initial research almost certainly only informs and directs your initial activities. Therefore to attain higher grades, you need to be continually looking at new research material during any given project to boost your ideas and influences allowing you to merge new ideas off the back of any new research. Therefore it's essential that you add more research - more photographers and artists as you go in the form of mini research ... This can be an additional slide with relevant images and a simple to the point analysis of a single image looking at how the image works and it's operational context. *ANY NEW LINKS can be added to your bibliography. The bigger and more varied your bibliography (Books, journals, magazines) the increased chances of attaining the higher grades.
