SUCCESSFUL IMAGES These are a few potential front cover images from my photoshoot. I have compiled this sheet to show the advantages and disadvantages of each image, and to ultimately conclude which will be most appropriate for use on my music magazine front cover. These are the only potential images from my photoshoot, as they were taken as medium close-ups or mid shots.
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This photo is technically good enough to use as a magazine front cover, as the codes and conventions have been fulfilled, however I don’t think it would work for my magazine. Firstly there is not enough space around the model to comfortably fit a masthead or coverlines. This causes an issue as there’s no simple way to re-compose the photo. For me, personally, the style of this image doesn’t fit the criteria of what I expected my magazine to look like. The use of a monochromatic outfit paired with a plain brick background gives a more ‘grungy’ feel than I want for my indie-rock magazine. Despite these flaws, I like the use of direct gaze as it makes the magazine more personal.
Similarly for this image, I like it but can’t see it being an effective enough magazine front cover. I really like the use of an alternative pose here, as it’s an interesting take on a typical front cover shot. It also has more space for coverlines and a masthead, however part of me thinks it looks too posed. I want my magazine to look professional, but to have a casual atmosphere at the same time so people aren’t intimidated by it. Another reason why I don’t think this would be an appropriate front cover image is because of the facial expression used. It looks as though the model is undecided about whether to smile or pose seriously, and I want my main image to be definite and bold.
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I think the addition of the tree in this photo is both a help and a hindrance. It gives a more kooky feel and adds another dimension to the image whilst concealing part of the model and taking up space around the outside. It also projects a shadow onto the model’s face which makes it look less professional. I do really like her stance and facial expression in this photograph as it has the right level of both naïvety and professionalism, but I think it’s the wrong kind of camera shot. With the use of a mid-shot rather than a medium close up, there isn’t enough detail in the actual image for a magazine front cover. So despite the fact that this is a nice image of my model, I don’t think it’s the most appropriate.
! The! curls of my model’s hair look natural and! pretty in this photo, giving off a nice impression if it were to be used for my ! magazine. I also like the facial ! expression conveyed here as she looks !serious and inquisitive, without being ! too stern. The main flaws in this image !are the composition (lack of space for ! masthead and coverlines) and the way ! the model is facing. Although direct
gaze is used, which is an important factor for me personally, the head is tilted slightly to the side, which makes the image look uneven and odd. I would prefer to use a picture where the model is facing straight forward so that it’s all even and in proportion.
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I fell in love with this photo when I took it because the composition, facial expression, hair and make up are all of a high standard and conform so well to the expectations I have for an indie-rock music magazine. The look on the model’s face is serious, calm and inquisitive all at once. Because her head is slightly tilted downwards, she’s represented in a more vulnerable way, which entices the reader. I love the colours in this image and overall it would be absolutely perfect, the only issue being that it’s slightly blurred. Unfortunately for this reason I can’t use it as a front cover shot.
After careful deliberation I have decided to use this image for my front cover. It is very similar to the previous one, meaning that all elements are near-perfect for my style of magazine. The only thing I prefer about the previous image to this one is the fact that the background colour is slightly darker. This, however, is an aspect I can manipulate in Photoshop. I will also need to crop the photo down so that there’s no unnecessary space around the outside; just enough room will be left for a masthead, coverlines and other conventions. This can also be done in Photoshop. Overall I really like the colouring of this image - how the model’s make up links to the clothing - and the stance she’s adopted along with many other aspects.