Poses from magazine covers

I have found some poses from music magazine front covers, mainly indie magazines, that will help me when I take the pictures for my final magazine.

Main image conventions

All of the subjects in the main images above have used direct mode of address. They have done this to engage with the audience and make them feel welcome.

The background colour differs because of the different issues but they are all plain and simple using both light and dark colours. They have used these colours to make the subject and masthead stand out and ensure that the magazine isn't overcrowded.

All of the magazine covers use a medium close up shot so that the emotion of the subject is captured but also so that the audience can still see some of the clothing the model is wearing.

All but one of the models' expressions are very serious and stern to create a sense of mystery that could intrigue the audience. The model that is smiling does seem more inviting though.

4 of the covers use high key lighting to make the cover well lit with few shadows. this is used to make the model seem friendlier. However, the other 4 covers use low key lighting to create a dangerous and sultry atmosphere because of the dim lighting and shadows.

The audience can only see part of the models' costumes due to the type of shot used but all of the tops seem very neutral, some quite formal.

The angle of all of the covers is eye level to make the reader feel as though they are at the same level as the main subject. 

Photo planning

I have filled in a table to help me decide the style of my photos. I have talked about various different looks, lighting and poses which I will try when I take my draft photos.

Main image research

Here I have made a collage of styles of makeup, hair and clothes that I think would be appropriate for my model and magazine genre.

Lighting:
The lighting of images can heavily influence how an image looks and whether it is appropriate for the audience and genre or even if it is appealing or not. Because of this I will try different types of lighting when taking photos for my main image and decide which is best based on my opinion, my model's opinion and my audience's opinion.

High key lighting - this will appropriate for my magazine because my colour scheme is light, pastel colours so the lighting will be consistent and will match the rest of my magazine due to the white background. However, this lighting can make the model of my magazine looked washed out which affects the quality of the image.

Low key lighting - this lighting contrasts the light, pastel colours of my magazine but can also make the magazine too dark or look quite grungy which would suit a rock or alternative music genre rather than an indie magazine.

Chiaroscuro lighting - this will add a dramatic effect to my front cover but can add a horror-like tone because of the drastic shadows and darkness. 

Treatment plan

I have completed this document explaining the contents of my magazine to give a brief overview of what my final magazine will be like. I have talked about representations, content, design, etc.

Hand drawn designs

I have drawn 2 front covers and 2 contents pages based on my layout designs and survey results. I have taken into account the style of the model and how appropriate this will be for my genre and target audience.

Front cover 1
This design is based on my third layout. When I create my final magazine the background for my front cover will most likely be a light colour instead of white and the model will be different. The masthead was chosen based on my survey results and I have decided that my magazine will be called BLUR based on further questioning and my own opinion. The text of the front cover is on a different side than what I originally designed for my layouts due to the model's position.

























Front cover 2
This design is based on my second layout which I think is my favourite. The background of the cover will be a light colour instead of white when I design my final magazine. I have chosen not to use UNLEASHED as my magazine's name based on further questioning and my own opinion. I have kept the layout exactly the same as my design.

Contents page 1

My first contents page is a combination of my second and third layout. This design makes the feature artists stand out a lot but does not leave a lot of room for other content so I might not use as many feature artists. The background colour will be a pastel colour that is different to that of the front cover. 

Contents page 2

My second contents page is based on my first layout but has been adapted slightly to fit the layout of the page. I will use the same font for the title as I did for my magazine's masthead my house style font for the rest of the content. I have included 4 feature artists on this page but depending on the space on the page I may use more or left. The front cover artist will be the boldest feature on the page as this is who my article will be about. There will be content all the way down the page that fits across the diameter of the contents page.

Layouts of my magazine

Articles:

Contents pages:



Front covers:

Audience research - results

9 people completed my survey and I have analysed the results and decided what style, name and colour scheme I will use based on the results.

You can view my results here

Audience research - masthead ideas and designs

I have created a survey for my target market to create where they can answer questions about my mastheads. I have done this so that I can choose my masthead based on what my audience thinks.

Survey Creator