Research

RESEARCH WORKFLOW

Understand your subject.

Your subject should come before the photo. This is where good research is key. For example when planning a portrait shoot, you want your subject to relax, learn about your subject beforehand and they will be more receptive to your directions and ideas.

Make your photos pleasing to the eye.

Consider composition, lighting and your angle. Some of the best photos are taken at the same eye level as your subject - so get on your knees or stomach! Play with viewpoint

Break the rules!

Aim to capture/create something different. Play around with your camera settings, such as shutter speed, or compose your image in an unusual way.

Remember photography isn't about what camera you have, it's all about having fun exploring the world around you with your camera!

1. READ THE BRIEF

Read the brief carefully and thoroughly, it is designed to help you with your project. Refer to it on a regular basis and use the checklist, If all tasks are complete then you will have met all the assessment criteria.

2. Research Photographers

When faced with the daunting prospect of researching a new topic, it can be difficult to decide where to begin. The first thing to do is look at those that have gone before us. This way you learn from the past to move into the future, creating something that is new and original. Typically, I would suggest looking through Photography books as these are the best resource to discover Photographers. It's better to look at a print than a screen. If this isn't possible then utilise the links I've collected and published on the site.

Use the Photographer Database section and look at Photographers related to your project brief
Collect images carefully—make sure they are appropriate to your project.
Study the image to gain some understanding of what the photographer was intending to do and what they did to achieve this.
If the image was created in colour do not print in black and white.
Never crop an image. We want to see the image as the Photographer intended
Use the Photo Analysis Section to help you structure your analysis

3. Idea Generation

Now that you have looked at other photographers, you will have a good idea of what you might photograph. Plan the shoot how you will set up / compose your image but it is a good idea to try different angles, viewpoints and camera settings for each shot. This sheet is really useful when planning. Cornwall's weather can be unpredictable, so have a plan B and make the most of those quick moments when the light is just right. If your using models make sure you check with the night before so that they are ready for the shoot.

4. Take the Photographs

Make sure your camera batteries are charged and that you everything you need before you go. Let someone know where you are too.

5. Review

Once you have developed/uploaded your photographs, create contact sheets so that you can review what you've done and plan for the next steps in your project. Make sure you link what you've done to the research that came before it:

How have you been influenced by the photographers and how can this been seen in your ideas and photographs?

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