• Annotation helps you interact with text and images and share your ideas clearly.

• You can highlight words, use colours or symbols, or add short notes and questions.

• It’s a way to show big ideas using fewer words, like design principles or photo techniques.

• You can use it to show how your work has changed over time.

Tomczyk, W. (2021) 'Annotation Examples & Techniques' URL

Visual annotation means showing your ideas in a visual way. 

You can use:

• Notes
  Write short notes next to the image to explain your thinking.

• Symbols
  Use symbols like a ? for things you might change, or a ★ for important ideas. Make a small symbol key at the top of the page to explain what each one means.

• Colours
  Use different colours to show different parts or ideas in the image.

You can do this using programs like:

• OneNote

• Klekki.com

• Adobe Photoshop

• Notes app (on iPads or iPhones)

In Photography you should annotate six key things. 

To do this, remember, think SMARTA.

S – See the main things (people, objects, background)

M – Methods or techniques used (angle, lighting, negative space)

A – Arrangement of things (layout, patterns, order)

R – Reason or message (what is the big idea?)

T – Target audience (who is it for? how will they feel?)

A – Add your thoughts (what works, what to change, next steps)

• If you are explaining meaning behind your images, voice notes can support you to create a more personal experience for your audience to understand your work.

• You can learn more about adding voice notes to your work here.

• Make sure that you keep your voice notes succinct (ideally, less than a minute).

• Make sure you still use text-based headings and APA references to guide audiences through your work.