Researching a Master Photographer name________________________

Master Photographer:________________________

Step 1: Research your Photographer, Create a Visual Handout

Use the following websites to begin your research on your photographer Then, consider alternative sources of research,
like books and magazines from my collection, or in the media center.
• http://masters-of-photography.com
• http://www.rleggat.com/photohistory/
• http://www.artcyclopedia.com/
• http://www.nypl.org/research/chss/spe/art/photo/photo.html
• http://bubl.ac.uk/link/p/photography.html

The Visual Handout (50 points) Should:

-Be two-sided, front and back of one sheet of paper.
-Include at least 3 high quality examples of his/her work (large enough to see, not pixelated) with titles and dates for
each example.
-Include the following information:
Biographical Info:
• When and where was this photographer born?
• What was their childhood like?
• What type of education did they have growing up?
• College? What did they major or focus in?
• What personal or other significant events happened in their early life that made an impact on them or their
work?

Life and Work:

• When was this person first introduced to photography? How did they initially discover it?
• What or whom was this photographer most influenced by? (Consider the many elements and factors
surrounding this person’s life)
• How do these influences surface or appear in this photographer’s work? (Refer to specific works as
examples.)
• Identify an art movement, group, or publication company that this photographer was affiliated with (i.e.
Surrealism, Pop-Art, National Geographic, Life magazine, Dadaism, New-Realism, etc.)
• What personal breakthroughs or revelations did this photographer have during their career?

Major Contributions:
• In your own words, explain why you feel this photographer was so inspired or passionate about taking
photos, what were they after?
• What major contributions did this photographer introduce to the world of art and photography? Why are
they so famous?
• Include one critical review or quote that is a good summary of the photographer’s work or life. Site this
quote appropriately.

Bibliography: You must use three different sources for your research! (save yourself the trouble and list your
sources below while you research!)

1)

2)

3)
To site a web page correctly, you will need to use the following format:
Author’s First and Last Name, Title of the Website, Name of the Institution Hosting the Site, URL address, date you
found the info.
To site a book or periodical correctly, you will need to use the following format:
Author’s Last Name, Author’s First Name, Title and/or Subtitle, Publisher, Place of Publication, Date of Publication.

Step 2: Find 5 Photographs & Critically Analyze using Feldman’s Method

Find 5 high quality works by your photographer that you will use for your powerpoint. Each work must be of high-
quality, (clear resolution, at least 2x3” printed). Include the title of the work, and the year it was made. Choose
two of them to print out and glue in your sketchbook. Then, to practice for your presentation:

Write a four-paragraph critical response in your sketchbook by applying the Feldman’s Method to one of these
images. Remember the four steps of the Feldman’s Method:

1) Describe the photograph by identifying the visual facts and all the elements of art you see, (line, shape,
value, texture, form, color, and/or space).
2) Analyze the design of the photograph by identifying the principles of composition most relevant to the work,
(light&shadow, frame-in-a-frame, edges of frame, point-of-view, etc.)
3) Interpret the photograph by trying to identify the meaning behind it. Identify how the photographer has used
composition to clarify/emphasize this meaning.
4) Judge the photo by deciding whether you feel it is “masterful” or not. Remember to compare the master
photo with a different work, and use info from your analyze and interpret steps in order to defend your
judgment.

Write neatly and legibly! If I can’t read your handwriting, type it and glue your response into your sketchbook!
Due:_____________________ (40 points)

Step 3: Powerpoint Presentation (30 points)

Powerpoint Presentation (30 points): Create a powerpoint presentation that will guide your presentation to
the class. Your presentation should include:

1) 5-8 WORKS, INCLUDE TITLES & DATES FOR EACH WORK! Feel free to include images of works by
other artists and photographer’s who may have inspired your photographer besides just his/her work.
2) Be clear and simple: DON”T USE TOO MUCH TEXT! Use text only when you need it to help you make a point
during the presentation. Let your handout provide the rest of the information.
3) HIGH QUALITY IMAGES! Remember to use images that are of high resolution, (at least 350 x 400 pixels if you
use Google image research)