Photos From The Front Cover Shoot

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The above are evidence of the pictures that I took during the front cover photo shoot. Image number 1 was the initial image that we intended to use for the cover, but after receiving audience feedback, it is one that will be discarded. This image does not create a persona for the artist as we need to represent them in a certain way to mirror the magazine. Image number 2 will be used within the contents page, giving the audience a sneak preview of what will be inside magazine. Overall, I decided that image number 2 would be the best image to use for the front cover. This is because she is giving direct eye contact to the reader, which would engage them. Also, it is a mid-shot and is quite playful as well as punk, which adheres to our magazine.

Test Shots of Costumes

 

 

 

These are the tests shots for the costumes that the artist wore. As I wanted to create an edgy look, she wore a leather jacket which was quite rock. She also wore a flowery 'LOVE' top which adheres to the pop style. This creates a good balance between the genres, and attracts a youthful and trendy target audience. These clothes are both retro as well as mainstream style which young people are interested in. Young people do not only get inspiration from what a person sings, but also the way they look, which is why mise-en-scene and clothes were chosen carefully in order to make the artists appear stylish and likeable and also an inspiration to younger people, particularly girls.

 

 



Front Cover Photo shoot

We recently set up a photo shoot for the front cover of our magazine. We took time out to find the best model to suit our magazine genre and theme, which is pop/rock. Using lights and a backdrop, we were able to establish a very professional photo shoot and take many successful pictures.

The costume was flowery, printed shirt under a black leather jacket, which was chosen specifically as it conferred to the Pop/Rock music genre. Also, the red lipstick and the eye makeup has was dramatized in order to captivate the reader’s attention and give the look some glamour. In terms of the layout of the magazine and the house-style, the makeup and costume will contrast fairly well with the magazine logo and the text.

When taking the pictures, we used a variety of shots, such as close-ups, extreme close-ups and mid-shots so that we had a range to choose from when designing the front cover. These shots will also be used in market research were we will consult with members of our target audience to see which image would be the best one for the magazine cover. Overall, we have taken pictures, keeping in mind the typical conventions of a music magazine.

Generically, cover images focus mainly on the face of the model, so we decided not to use any specific props, as we thought that it might overbear the artist. After concluding what we did on our research, we decided that more focus should be on the model. This is because we found that by focusing on only the face, with direct eye contact, we are able to entice our audience much more easily, and keep them lingered to the magazine's features, because there is greater attention on the bright and contrasting colours being presented.

We also adjusted the effects on the camera, such as the ISO and shutter speed, adapting it to our photo shoot. All of these elements were considered, for they contributed to how the images looked at the end and also the way that the magazine comes across.

Media Timetable

 

 

This is my media timetable that I have created as it will ensure that I am managing my time correctly. I have been given seven weeks for production and evaluation, therefore I have divided my weeks up equally So that I have enough time to work on each aspect of the magazine.

 

 

 

Conclusion

  Overall, I feel that I have the necessary market research and planning to go ahead and start designing my magazine. Analysing the Front Covers, contents page and DPS's has helped me to understand the typical conventions and layouts of music magazines as well as other magazines. My planning of the layout, name and colour of my magazine has given me clear guideline into the type of magazine I wish to create and my desired end product. At current, I am starting to take pictures for by magazine by setting up photo-shoots in a variety of locations. To conclude, I have completed my planning and research to a high degree in order to achieve a quality product.

Locations

 
Southbank graffiti tunnel is our chosen location for the Double Page Spread photo, which will feature a rock/pop group. We have chosen this location as it displays a vibrant, fresh look, which is something that we want to convey, especially as it fits the genre of our magazine. The look of the graffiti tunnel is also quite edgy and which will attract our youthful intended target audience. We will also take any photos whilst in Central London that we feel can be incorporated into any aspect of our magazine; for example smaller images for the contents page. For our front cover image, we will be using a black backdrop as we want all the focus on the artist. The fact that our location is so primarily designated in London, also helps to attract our audience, who will be based in the UK. This helps to give them a sense of familiarity.