how do you research for your shoots?

hi,

i had an interview at a university for a fashion photography course last week, i thought all i needed was a portfolio of my work

but they also wanted a research book, they said they needed to see how i got my ideas and where my inspiration comes from and everything, i've never had to research any shoots tho, so i dunno what to do

they said if i can get a research book into them by next week they may consider offering me a place on the course

i would really appreciate if someone here could give me some guidelines on how to put a research book together, like what i should put in it etc.

thanks!

Get a notebook/folder and pile in all the photos and notes about photography that you have ever thought about, Lighting diagrams, gear lists, notes to self about getting up 5 minutes earlier, best places that serve meals that you can take with you on location, think of it as a journal with all sorts of random photography stuff in it.

If they want a book or series of books bring a foot locker with every piece of refrance material you can find and look them dead in the eye and say "this all inspires me, now can you help me get it back in to my car?"