1. (A01) ART4, Research, analysis of 2
conceptual influences
Section Title – Photographer Analysis
Once you have found your first and or second photographer; Read! Ensure
understanding of the concept.
There should be 5 subheadings – 1. Conceptual Practice 2.
Extracting Concept, 3. Photographer technique analysis 4.
Genre and 5. Inspiration.
Don’t forget to link text and images as much as possible. Always have images to reflect
what you are writing and do not be afraid of using arrows and circles to point specific
elements out. A good technique is to print cropped sections of an image out separately
to show in detail what it is your are discussing.
(1)Conceptual Practice (Photographers name and body of work
title)
Within this area, discuss the purpose and meaning of the work. What was the
photographer trying to achieve? Who was it about? Why? Is it personal to them in
anyway? What made the photographer capture this subject matter? Is it political or a
social piece of work? Discuss this. What was the context in which it was made, does it
reflect the issues and times in which it was made.
Remember additional contextual research will help you gain A and B grades for
research.
(2)Extracting the concept in 2 images
“You can read the concept within this image by………”
Then discuss the specific image and explain how it reflects the concept, purpose and
meaning. You need, may need to consider,
Location, Body Language, lighting, Facial Expressions, Items, Props, Iconography,
Age, Class, Race, Gender, Subcultures, Issues, Context
(3) Demonstrate understanding of genre
What genre is the image shot in? Choose one image to analyse and discuss the genre
conventions. Find out and refresh your memory on each genre’s aims and
conventions. Choose the images that best reflect the genre. Remember genres have
sub categories such as environmental portrait or traditional portrait. Look into them
in detail.
2. (4) Photographer technique analysis (1 image)
This section is where we really get influence and inspiration in terms of visuals and
techniques. “A” grade projects will have strong visual influences. The most important
aspect of photography is lighting and being able to manipulate and capture a lighting
look of your choice. You should learn and figure out technique from your analysis and
apply it to your own. This process could/should be performed for visual influences. It
will make your final piece better!
Ensure logical analysis of;
-Camera tech – Aperture, Shutter Speed, I.S.O (The relationship, Depth of field,
Motion Blur, Lighting conditions/source, Noise/grain)
-Consideration of lighting – (Rembrandt, Edge, Butterfly, Low key, Hard, Soft,
Natural (refer to camera tech, refer to concept/mood, how does the light fall on the
subject?, what are the connotations?, high lights, low lights, contrast, saturation does it
help communicate the concept?) Key Light, position of light, height of light, angle of
light.
- Compostion – T.AB.L.ES, (aesthetic quality, visually pleasing)
-Vantage Point – Low, Eye Level, High, Dutch, (why? Does it link to concept,
medium? Purpose of the image)
Framing/shot type, CU, ECU, LS, MS, ELS, (why? Does it link to concept, medium?
Purpose of the image)
5) What do you plan to take from the work you have analysed
and apply to your work? What inspiration, is it visual or
conceptual?
