How to Cite Photographs
Learn how to properly cite photographs, digital images, and other visual materials in APA format.
Basic Format
Photographer, P. P. (Year). Title of photograph [Photograph]. Museum/Collection. URL
Photographer, P. P. (Year, Month Day). Title of photograph [Digital image]. Website Name. URL
Examples
Museum Photograph
Adams, A. (1942). Mount Williamson, Sierra Nevada [Photograph]. Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Online Photograph
Smith, J. (2023, October 1). Autumn leaves in Central Park [Digital photograph]. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photos
Stock Photograph
Getty Images. (2023). Business meeting in modern office [Stock photograph]. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.gettyimages.com
Key Elements
Creator Information
- Photographer's name
- Agency/Studio
- Collection owner
- Rights holder
Image Details
- Title of photograph
- Date taken
- Medium/Format
- Series information
Source Information
- Collection name
- Institution
- Location
- Access information
Photograph Types
Physical Photographs
- Prints
- Negatives
- Slides
- Contact sheets
Digital Photographs
- Digital images
- Stock photos
- Social media images
- Online galleries
Special Cases
Additional Guidelines
- Untitled photographs
- Anonymous photographers
- Modified images
- Personal collections
In-Text Citations
First Citation
Use the photographer's name and year:
In Adams's (1942) photograph of Mount Williamson...
Subsequent Citations
Use parenthetical citation:
The photograph (Adams, 1942) captures...
Copyright and Usage
- Copyright status
- Usage rights
- Model releases
- Licensing terms
- Attribution requirements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't omit photographer credit
- Don't forget date information
- Don't ignore copyright status
- Don't mix citation styles
- Don't neglect medium specification