Embedded Files
Genre Investigation
Important Info
Important Info
Weighting 20%
Due
Week 4
August 13th-14th
Mode: This will be an in-class assessment task.
Description
Description
In this task, you will:
Compare two photographers: Ansel Adams and Julius Shulman
Analyse how time, place, and culture shaped their photos
Explore how nature photography (Adams) and architecture photography (Shulman) use different styles
Write a structured in-class essay using your own words and ideas
Refer to two key images:
-Clearing Winter Storm (1937) by Ansel Adams
-Case Study House #22 (1960) by Julius Shulman
Why this matters:
This task connects to everything you’ve learned this term. You’ve explored how photographers are influenced by the world around them – including technology, social values, and art movements. Adams and Shulman help us see how different genres respond to history in unique ways. Your essay will show how well you understand those influences and how to explain meaning in photographs.
What to Expect: All Students
What to Expect: All Students
You will be allowed to bring in an A4 page of notes (one sided, font size 12 or hand written).
You will get a double period to type your analysis on Google forms submitting at the end of the lesson
Your essay should reflect on how time, place, and culture influenced both photographers, and how their different genres shaped their work.
The Images: All Students
The Images: All Students
Ansel Adams (1937) Clearing Winter Storm
Julius Shulman (1960) Case Study House #22
Tertiary Prompt
Tertiary Prompt
Write a short essay comparing the work of Ansel Adams and Julius Shulman.
Use your knowledge of their time, place, and culture to explain how these influenced their photography.
Compare how their styles—nature (Adams) and architecture (Shulman)—affected the way they made their images and what messages their work might have for audiences.
Tertiary Guiding Questions
Tertiary Guiding Questions
1. Context
When and where did each photographer work?
What social or cultural values influenced them?
2. Genre Influence
How does each genre (nature vs architecture) affect their style?
What visual techniques (light, framing, perspective) do they use?
3. Audience and Message
What feeling or message does each photo communicate?
How might the audience respond to each image?
4. Your Reflection
What did you find interesting about their photography?
How has this changed how you see photography as art or history?
Accredited Prompt
Accredited Prompt
You will write a short response comparing two photographers:
Ansel Adams – Clearing Winter Storm (1937)
Julius Shulman – Case Study House #22 (1960)
In your notes, think about:
When and where they worked (time and place)
What was happening in the world or culture that influenced them
How nature and architecture made them take different kinds of photos
What messages they might be sharing with their audience
Accredited Guiding Questions
Accredited Guiding Questions
1. Time, Place, and Culture
When did each photographer take their photo
What was happening in the world or their country at the time?
2. Genre and Style
What is the main subject in each photo (nature or buildings)?
What style or technique does each photographer use (e.g. light, angles, space)?
3. Audience and Message
What feeling or message do you think each image gives?
How might a viewer react to each photo?
4. Your Thoughts
What do you like or find interesting about their photos?
How has this changed the way you think about photography?
Modified Prompt
Modified Prompt
You will write a short response comparing two photographers:
Ansel Adams – Clearing Winter Storm (1937)
Julius Shulman – Case Study House #22 (1960)
Modified Guiding Questions
Modified Guiding Questions
When and where was each photo taken?
What was happening in the world or country at that time?
What is each photo showing (nature or buildings)?
What feeling or message do you get from each photo?
What do you like or find interesting about one of the photos?
Relationship to Unit Goals
Relationship to Unit Goals
critically analyse how social, historical, political, and cultural contexts influence photographic works and their meaning
critically analyse how context influences the photographer and photograph
To understand how you will be marked, see the rubric provided on Google classroom.
AI Check
🚩AI CANNOT BE USED IN THIS TASK
Why? This task is to assess YOUR thoughts, YOUR analysis and YOUR understanding.
🚨 Consequences of Misuse:
If AI is used in ways not permitted, it will be treated as plagiarism. This may result in:
A score deduction, non-submission, or a required redo of the task.
A Sentral record of AI misuse, which applies across all of your class subjects.
A meeting with executive staff if AI misuse occurs in multiple tasks, potentially affecting your course completion (e.g. v grade).
To learn more about use of AI, view this link.
Additional Information
Referencing Information
For support with APA referencing visit our class site resource.
Need Help? Just drop by the teacher librarian’s desk in our library
Declaration of Original Work:
By submitting this work to Google classroom under your name and student number, you are acknowledging the following:
The work that I have attached is my own work and has not been submitted for assessment before.
I have kept a copy of this assignment and all relevant notes and reference material that I used in the production of the assignment.
I have given references for all sources of information that are not my own, including the words, ideas and images of others.
I am aware that this work may be viewed by other teachers for moderation purposes.
I accept that this work may be used in college materials, advertisements or to provide examples for future classes unless I have stated otherwise.
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