TIFS Photography Department
How do I ... Analyse a photographers work?
Find a photographer or artist who inspires you for your own work. You can find your own or use the photographers page on this website.
Your work on this will count towards Assessment Objective 1.
Basic Information
In your sketchbook or online record make sure you include the following as a minimum:
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The name of the photographer
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What country are they from? (This is important as it puts the work into context).
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The name and date of the series that you are interested in
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The name and date of any images you choose from the series to analyse
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What is the image/series about?
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Research and explain what the artist's intentions are. What concept, message or meaning did the artist want to communicate or explore?
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Visual Qualities
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Why do you like about the image?
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What is the image of?
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What is the main focus?
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Can you write about any of the formal elements?
Line, Colour, Shape, Form, Texture, Pattern, Tone...
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How has the artist achieved the meaning, concept or message in their image?
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What techniques has the artist used to create the meaning/concept or message?
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What composition style have they used?
leading lines, golden section, the rule of thirds...
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How have they used the lighting in the image?
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If they have used people in their photos can you read any body or facial language?
Handouts
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Use the guides and handouts, these will give you guidance on how to achieve the best results.
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High Quality Images
Your images should be clear and not pixelated. If your using Google images click on the image you want to make bigger.
Technical Language
Use the correct terminology when writing up your analysis.
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Camera Settings
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What shutter speed do you think they have they used?
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What ISO do you think they have used?
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Discuss the aperture settings used?
Shallow/long depth of field
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Where have they focused?
Relate to your own work
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How will you be influenced by this artist?
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What techniques, concepts or visual effects are you most inspired by?
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How will you take this influence and use it in your work?
Layout
Carefully consider the placement of each element on your page. Your page should be visually appealing!
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Typed Notes
Consider typing up your notes to ensure they are easy to read and are free of spelling mistakes.