How I propose to answer the above research question is by researching and deconstructing the relevant elements by using theories and histories of photography to underpin a major reassessment in their understanding in the light of present critical theory. This will involve archive case studies combined with my practice to prove this reassessment and answer the research question.
The PhD thread starts by looking at the state of photographic history in its infancy and its legacy in regard to its roots in an elitist and artisan led culture of academy and studio branding. This is then assessed using an appropriate model in the development of photographic history. The constructing elements are further redefined in the relevant period of mass media and production with its changes in technology, which changed photography's uses and effects on society and culture through changing constructing elements.
This develops into topics as increased leisure time and the use of advertisement and the death of the author in the progression of photography's evolution. I will further frame the elements of construction in an Irish dimension using elements as post colonialism and nationalism through to the photography of the Northern Ireland troubles. This brings the research to a logical and original conclusion through the advent of globalization and its contributing effect towards the living death of photography. The research will be invested with my photographic sensibility in both its writing and practice.