This document provides guidance on researching the context of photographs to aid in analysis and developing personal work. It discusses researching the photographer's background and influences as well as the purpose and genre of the selected image. Key terms and proper sourcing of information are emphasized. Contextual research counts for 40% of marks through assessment of use of specialized vocabulary and connecting work to that of other artists. Students are instructed to write a 200-400 word analysis of a selected image demonstrating their understanding of these concepts.

1. An introduction:
Researching and understanding the context of images

2.  Contextual Research is the study and analysis of
the work of other photographers and artists.
 In order to analyse an artist’s work you need to
know about the formal elements that make an
artwork.
 There are specialist terms and vocabulary that apply
to art and to individual subjects within art. We will be
covering these in theory lessons and you will be
expected to demonstrate that you know these terms
and can use them accurately.

3.  It helps you to understand how and why photographs are
made, and helps you to develop your own work. It also
contributes towards your grades.
We mark your work using 4 Assessment Objectives
(AO’s) set by the exam board. Two of the four
Assessment objectives refer to Contextual research:
 AO2 is ‘Critical Thinking’ and is worth 20% of your total
marks. This objective refers directly to your use of subject
specialist terms and vocabulary.
 AO4 is ‘Personal Response/realisation’ and is worth a
further 20% of your marks. In this objective ‘connects to
the work of others’ is mentioned.

4.  Get a good quality, good sized copy of the
photograph you have selected.
SOURCE IT FULLY.
This means making a note of:
 The photographer’s name
 The title of the image (if there is one)
 The date it was taken
 Where you found it i.e. www.magnumphotos.com OR
‘The Photo Book’, Phaidon, pg 185

5.  What can you find out about the Photographer?
 When were they born/are they still alive?
(This will affect the tense you write in)
 What nationality are they/which country was the photograph
taken in? (This may affect cultural perceptions)
 How did they get into photography? Were they
influenced/taught by any other famous photographers?
 Write a short biography in your own words – this will help to
set the scene for how the picture came to be created.

6.  What can you find out about the photograph itself?
 Use the synopsis of the image (if there is one) to help
you make comments. Often books from the library
provide better information than the internet.
 Research other comments/quotes about the image but
always source them!
 Why was it taken?
 What does the photographer think of it?
 What message does it get across?
 Any other RELEVANT comments?

7. CONTEXT:
Make a note of the role this photograph has, the context in which it is intended
to be seen. For example is it for advertising, news, art, etc?
GENRE:
Do you know/would you consider it to fit within the realms of:
 Portraiture
 Landscape
 Photojournalism/Narrative
 Advertising
 Personal
 Art
 Documentary – be careful here, this is a very broad genre, it could include
for example:
 War
 Nature
 Social

8.  Word-process
 Choose a sensible font/size – it needs to be readable.
 Use capitals where needed
 Use and check punctuation
 Check your spelling
 Demonstrate you understand what you are talking about.
 Use specialist vocabulary
 Complete sentences, don’t leave comments ‘hanging’.
 Don’t use ‘text-speak’.
 Proof read

9.  Clearly distinguish between comments that
demonstrate your own personal OPINION, and
sentences that reveal a FACT.
 If in doubt, don’t be afraid to research something in
more detail – you will only expand your knowledge!
 Don’t just copy from your sources, or say something
just for the sake of saying it. We need to know you
UNDERSTAND what you’re writing and why you’re
writing it.

10.  Select one of the images listed at the end of the
presentation, get a good quality version of it and
source it fully.
USING YOUR OWN WORDS:
 Write some biographical notes on the photographer’s
background.
 Explain what you know about the photograph from
your research – what was it taken for?
 Describe which genre the image fits into.
 Comment on what you think about the image.
 Aim for between 200-400 words

11. Images:
Choose one of the
following…