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