BTEC Level 3

Unit 27: Digital Photography

Portrait Photography of the famous

Carry out analysis of two bodies of work at least. Choose from the following and then answer the
prompts below:

1. Annie Leibovitz
2. Richard Avedon
3. Irving Penn
4. Eve Arnold
5. Phillip Halsman
6. Cecil Beaton
7. Mario Testino
8. Harry Benson

 Give a brief biography of the photographer and their work? What are the main
features/themes of their work?
 Carry out analysis of at least three images. Describe the image first referring to the
composition. Then explore the connotations of the image. For each image consider the
following:

o Use of colour
o mise-en-scène – setting, props, costumes, makeup, figure expression
o ‘anchoring’ the text or other visual material, to provide the viewer with information
to further their understanding of the product
o denotation/connotation of meaning – preferred/oppositional reading
o visual language – composition, image construction - connotation, representation

 Do you believe these images to be a realistic representation of the subject? Explain your
reasoning.
 What is the purpose of their photography? What messages are they communicating about
the subject?