Photography Research

[jasony8]

I am currently an IB student, we have an important piece of coursework called the Extended Essay. It is a piece of detailed research that can be done on any topic.

It is high recommended that I do this piece of coursework on something that interests me or else I am going to get fed up pretty soon . . .

Since many of you are professionals here, Do you guys have any recommended topics/themes related to photography that would allow me to do some detailed research on? It would also be great if you guys can provide me with some technique aspects of photography in which I can do some research on
Also maybe. .a certain type or style of photography? It would also be possible if you guys suggest some famous photographers (with unique/special types of photography?)

Thanks so much everyone
- Sorry to post this here, I have been really stuck on getting a decent topic -

[TheDarkReaver]

The relationships between the S&M scene and photography with a particular focus on Robert Mapplethorpe.

I reckon how highly portable, digital cameras have impacted our society could also be a good one. In age where everybody's got one on their phone does anything go undocumented? Has it changed the way we see the world? Has it impacted photography as an art medium? etc etc

[junglebear]

What does IB stand for?

[TheDarkReaver]

International Baccalaureate I think.

IB Diploma Programme - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[jasony8]

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

International Baccalaureate I think.

IB Diploma Programme - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yup, thats correct It is a very demanding . .and tough course

[junglebear]

That does look tough, I had enough problems with A levels!

I think DarkReaver's idea of analysing the impact of the ubiquity of cameras, and all types of image recording technology, is a good one. You could analyse the commercial/technological side as well as the social/cultural effects.

I find the trick with most projects is to focus small.

Check out little-known Harold Edgerton. He was the original Speed Photographer (stop-motion). He captured photos of bullets going through fruit, cards, and all sorts of neat stuff. He built his own flash (very dangerous), and few have improved on it's design in 40+ years.

For more information, talk to Alan Sailer on Flickr. He's a big studier of Edgerton's work, and a pretty nice guy as well.

[TheDarkReaver]

Originally Posted by Photoboothguy

I find the trick with most projects is to focus small.

Check out little-known Harold Edgerton. He was the original Speed Photographer (stop-motion). He captured photos of bullets going through fruit, cards, and all sorts of neat stuff. He built his own flash (very dangerous), and few have improved on it's design in 40+ years.

For more information, talk to Alan Sailer on Flickr. He's a big studier of Edgerton's work, and a pretty nice guy as well.

The problem with something small and focused the amount of research material is also going to be generally small and focused. If you're doing a research project, where the aim of the project is to display that your research skills rather than write about a subject per se, then you generally want something where there is a vast amount of research material available. You want something that's rather big and then focus in on certain aspects.

When I did my History A level we had to do a research project. I chose the Salem Witch trials, which is fairly small and focused. I had a bastard of a time getting enough sources material for it and so as a research project it ended up being not that great.

Of course this is all imo, ime etc. I may be completely wrong!

[LeeR]

First, let me reccommend that you get in touch with DPS member kalendae. She is currently in the process of doing her own research project where she meaures people's preferences for images with a mathmatical formula called ELO Grade. My own opinion is that this could have huge ramifications for the future of commercial photography. (If you like what you hear from her I would be happy to talk to you further about why I think think her work is so important to the future of photography.)

[jasony8]

Originally Posted by LeeR

First, let me reccommend that you get in touch with DPS member kalendae. She is currently in the process of doing her own research project where she meaures people's preferences for images with a mathmatical formula called ELO Grade. My own opinion is that this could have huge ramifications for the future of commercial photography. (If you like what you hear from her I would be happy to talk to you further about why I think think her work is so important to the future of photography.)

This is quiet interesting, The ELO Grade is a calculation in which people measures people preferences. I will contact Kalendae asap.

I will msg you back asap for some further information.

Thank you so much for the references and suggestion!