investigation into and study of information to establish facts and reach conclusions

a place from which something, in this instance images or information, originates

the circumstances that form the setting of an idea, event or photographic work

Photography: the influence of sources on photographic investigations

Art and design

Introduction to the principles of photography

Picture taking: aperture and shutter speed settings

Picture taking: lighting

Picture taking: depth of field

Picture taking: motion

Darkroom processes: using an enlarger and developing a print

Digital processes: using digital media to manipulate an image

Digital processes: using digital media to layer an image

This is a teacher led unit which introduces to pupils to the skills within their endorsements. Through a series of workshop activities, students experiment with a range of materials and techniques. They develop a range of studies exploring mark making media, print and mixed media.

Foundation workshops: an introduction to the areas of study

to copy another photographer’s work exactly

to understand ideas, contexts, and techniques that can inspire your own practice

to avoid having to take photographs yourself and save time

to make your sketchbook look full of reference images

Why is research important in photography?

True, it is important that you only reference famous photographers.

False, sources can be exhibitions, books, journals, internet or magazine images.

True, reliable sources in photography are usually photographic exhibitions only.

False, sources may come from local or community exhibitions or shows too.

True or false? A source in photography can only be a famous exhibition in a big city.

broad, affordable way to explore themes quickly

high quality images, detailed research into one artist or theme

immersive experience of seeing a photographer’s work directly

Match the type of source to its strength:

It shows how you copy other photographers exactly.

It makes your portfolio look more colourful and detailed.

It communicates how research connects to your own themes and choices.

It avoids having to do annotations around the research images.

Why is it important to share your ideas and describe your intentions when researching and responding to photographic sources?

It avoids having to use reliable sources.

It ensures you only research one photographer.

It saves time by focusing on key words, themes, and techniques.

Why is it useful to make a mind map before starting research?

True or false? Context (historical, cultural, material, or social) has no impact on how a photographer’s style develops.

Starter Quiz