Influential Photographer Mini Project (Multimedia)

In this project, you and your group will explore an influential photographer, research their work, and create your own photographic emulation inspired by them.

Why are we doing this?

Photographers today learn by studying the influential images of the past. Understanding how art shapes culture helps you develop your own style and voice.

This project teaches you to:

Research visual history
Analyze photographs
Understand artistic influence
Recreate professional techniques
Learn through hands-on practice

PART 1: Photographer Selection Process

Step 1: Photography Genres

Look at the slideshow and take notes on the different genres such as:

Architecture
Fashion
Fine Art
Landscape
Editorial
Nature/Wildlife
Documentary
Portrait
Street
Vernacular

KELLY Types of Photography Lesson

As you learn, consider: which genres pique your interest the most?

Step 2: Form Groups

Get into groups of 2–3 people based on the genre you like best.

Step 3: Choose a Photographer

Select 2-3 INFLUENTIAL photographers from your chosen genre. Choose someone who has had a major impact on the genre, someone who is considered a master of this genre.

Need some help? Not sure where to begin? Check out THIS extensive list of photographers (make sure you are choosing someone that is under one of the genres we looked at today!)
Complete THIS Google Form.
- IMPORTANT: While different groups can have the same genre, they cannot cover the same photographer. You must get Ms. Kelly's approval before starting the next step.

PART 2: Photographer Research Requirements

You can use THESE links to help you with your research. You may write this in paragraphs or bullet points, but ALL items must be included:

Basic Information

Full Name:
Nicknames (if any):
Birthplace:
Date of Birth:
Date and place of death (if applicable):
Education:

Photography Journey

When/how did they get into photography?
Where did they shoot? (locations, environments)
What was their photography style? (light and airy, dark and moody, vibrant, vintage, dramatic, black and white, cinematic, serene/calm/peaceful, romantic, simple and clean, quirky, whimsical, etc. )
Show 1-3 example images of their photography (photographs they took) AND a picture of them.

Contribution to Photography

Why is this photographer important?
How did their work impact or influence society, art, or culture? Why do you think they became famous?
Why did YOU choose this photographer? What do YOU like about their photos?

Optional Extras (above and beyond!)

Interesting story OR quote about the photographer

PART 3: Photo Emulation

You will recreate 1 photograph by your chosen photographer.

For your emulation, you MUST include:

Which photo did you choose? (Show the original)
Why did you choose it?
How did you emulate it? (Planning/preparation, camera settings or choices, editing process (Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.)
Final emulation image (your recreation)

What IS an emulation photo?

- An emulation is to recreate IN THE STYLE OF aka INSPIRED BY and ROOTED IN the artist's influence.
- Examples: http://www.booooooom.com/2011/09/29/remake-submission/

“Untitled Film Still #30, 1979″ by Cindy Sherman

“Untitled Film Still #30, 1979″ remake by Monica Lapaz

PART 4: Final Product (Choose One)

Your group will create ONE final product that includes:

✔ Your research (basic info, photo journey, contribution to photography)... bullet points ok!

✔ 1-3 example images of your photographer's work (photographs they took) AND a picture of them.