7. Photographs and Field sketch

Photograph

Adding a title helps your readers understand clearly the focus of your photograph.

Labeling and annotating features to comment on key aspects of your photograph helps to bring out the main "message" you want to convey through your photograph.

(a) Difference between labels and annotations:

A label: comprises one or two words that help to identify features in photographs, diagrams or maps.

An annotation: a fairly detailed explanation or comment added to photographs, diagrams or maps to explain, elaborate or emphasize particular features.

(b) How to annotate a photograph:

For Macbook users:

For windows user:

Field sketching

    • Decide on the purpose of your field sketch and note down the important details to look out for

    • Divide an A4-sized paper into nine sections and place the paper onto a clipboard as a support when you are sketching

    • Look through the sketching frame to view the area that you wish to sketch

      • Sketch the things furthest away (background) first and work towards the foreground

      • Draw the features or objects as they are seen in each section - Include only what is necessary based on the purpose of your sketch!

    • Label the features in your sketch and add notes to explain the features that you want to highlight

    • Include a title and information such as the date, time and place for future reference

    • Photographs can be taken to support your sketch and give you a reference point in the future

Labels versus annotations

A label comprises one or two words that help to identify something in photographs, diagrams or maps. On the other hand, an annotation is a fairly detailed explanation or comment added to photographs, diagrams or maps to explain, elaborate or emphasize particular features. You can learn more about labels and annotations in the next page.

Example of labels

Example of annotations

Field sketch of a slum