Citing images correctly is crucial in academic and professional writing, ensuring you give proper credit to creators and avoid plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format provides a standardized method for citations, including images. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to cite a photograph in MLA format, whether it’s from a website or viewed online as artwork.
To create an accurate MLA citation for an image, gather the following key pieces of information:
- Creator’s Name: If available, start with the photographer or artist’s name. If no creator is listed, begin with the title of the image.
- Title of the Image: Provide the title of the photograph. If there’s no title, create a brief description of the work.
- Date of Composition: Note the year the image was created or published, if known.
- Source Information: Identify where you found the image. This could be a website, museum, book, or journal. Include the title of the website, article, or publication where the image is located.
- URL (for online images): If the image is from a website or online source, include the direct URL.
- Access Date (for online sources): For website images, include the date you accessed the content.
Let’s look at specific examples for different types of images:
Citing a Website Image in MLA
When citing an image found on a website, the format varies slightly depending on whether the creator is known.
Website Image with a Known Creator
Follow this MLA format when you know the photographer:
Creator Last Name, Creator First Name. *Title of Image.* “Title of Article/Page,” Day Mon. Year, if available. *Title of Website,* URL. Accessed Day Mon. Year.Example:
Sharron, Ed. *The Red Fox of the Northeast: Vulpes vulpes fulva.* “Species Spotlight: Red Fox,” 2 Mar. 2023. *National Parks Service,* https://www.nps.gov/articles/species-spotlight-red-fox.htm. Accessed 9 Jan. 2024.In-text Citation:
Use the creator’s last name in parentheses:
(Sharron).Website Image Without a Known Creator
If the website doesn’t list a creator, start with the image title:
Title of Image. “Title of Article/Page,” Day Mon. Year, if available. *Title of Website,* URL. Accessed Day Mon. Year.Example:
Fox. “Foxes.” *PBS,* https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/group/mammals/fox/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2024.In-text Citation:
Use a shortened version of the image title in parentheses:
(Fox).Citing Artwork Viewed Online in MLA
To cite artwork you viewed online, such as on a museum website, use this format:
Creator Last Name, Creator First Name. *Title of Work.* Year of Work. *Museum/Institution,* URL.Example:
Homer, Winslow. *Fox Hunt.* 1893. *Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts,* https://www.pafa.org/museum/collection/item/fox-hunt.In-text Citation:
Use the creator’s last name:
(Homer).Citing Social Media Images
Citing images from social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter (now X), or Facebook follows a similar structure to website citations, but with specific details for social media content. For detailed guidance, refer to resources like the library guides on citing Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook in MLA format, as mentioned in the original article.
Further Resources
This guide provides the fundamental formats for citing images in MLA. For more in-depth information and complex scenarios, consult the MLA Handbook. You can also explore the MLA Style Center blog for additional advice and updates on MLA citation practices.
If you require further assistance, consider reaching out to a librarian or exploring citation help resources available through academic institutions and online writing centers. Accurate and thorough citation practices are essential for academic integrity and clear communication in your work.
