How important is experimentation?

While artist research is important as well, experimentation is key in showing your process to examiners. Try to refrain from just copying artists' work, take a different picture (or better yet, your own pictures!) and attempt the style on a completely different photo. This way you're showing the examiner that you are able to look at other artists' work and have them influence your work, without directly copying their art. It would be even better if you used a range of artists and used elements from each to create your own unique piece with all their influences.