To cite a photo, especially one found online, you typically follow a specific format depending on the citation style you are using. One common style is MLA.
Citing an Image in MLA Style
Based on MLA style guidelines, when citing an image found online, you generally need to provide information about the creator, the title of the image, the website where it was found, the publication date (including the full day, month, and year if available), and the URL.
The standard format for an online image citation in MLA works cited list is:
Author last name, First name. “Image Title.” Website Name, Day Month Year, URL.
Breakdown of the Citation Elements:
- Author/Creator: This is usually the photographer or artist. If no individual author is listed, you might start with the title.
- "Image Title": The title of the image in quotation marks. If the image doesn't have a formal title, you can provide a brief description (e.g., "Photograph of a cat") without quotation marks.
- Website Name: The name of the website where you found the image, in italics.
- Day Month Year: The full publication date of the image or the page it appears on. Always include the full date if available, not just the year. For example, 25 Mar. 2021.
- URL: The direct web address of the image or the page where it is located.
Example of an MLA Works Cited Entry for an Online Photo:
Let's use a hypothetical example:
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Smith, John |
| Image Title | "Sunset Over the Mountains" |
| Website Name | Nature Photography Blog |
| Date (Day Month Year) | 15 Feb. 2022 |
| URL | https://www.example.com/sunset-mountains.jpg |
Full MLA Citation:
Smith, John. “Sunset Over the Mountains.” Nature Photography Blog, 15 Feb. 2022, https://www.example.com/sunset-mountains.jpg.
MLA In-text Citation for Photos
When you refer to the image within your paper, you need an in-text citation. According to MLA style, the MLA in-text citation normally just consists of the author's last name. If there is no author, you would use a shortened version of the title or the first element that appears in your works cited entry.
Example of an MLA In-text Citation:
(Smith)
If there was no author, and the citation started with a descriptive title like "Photograph of a cat", the in-text citation might look like:
("Photograph of a cat")
Remember to check specific guidelines if the image is from a database, a physical book, or another source type, as the format may vary slightly. However, for online images, the format provided covers the essential elements.
