Photograph Selection for Magzine Cover 2

(LO4) Olivia Lewis-Brown

Photo SelectionImage 1This image was considered for my main cover image as it leaves sufficient room to both the left and right for sell lines and above for a masthead which would have been positioned behind the characters head, the models medium close up and generic pose is also widely popular as a stereotypical pose for a magazine cover however the lighting i felt was too dull and with the black and white aspect of my final cover and pre production design the models form would have obscured text without a bold colour behind in the text box to make the sell line stand out. This would have given me less freedom to experiment with text font styles and with less of the models body showing I wanted to keep the main image as the focal point, no importance being taken away by bold text around the models head.

Examples of magazine medium close ups

Image 2This medium long shot of the model was again a satisfactory potential choice for my main cover image as the low angle gives the model power allowing him to draw interest from his intimidating body language paired with a intense direct address. However the rule of thirds applies here as I was happy with the models slightly left positioning and the models elbow being cut off as it is imperative to have the models full upper body in this shot to see. The positioning of the models hands I also felt was not right, as I wanted his hands higher to his face to frame his expression and direct importance to the facial features of the model.

Photo Selection ContinuedImage 3For this right positioned medium long shot I wanted to leave enough room for the sell lines to the left and the masthead above without having to obscure the main focal point being the model as my main cover image. however the low key lighting, and pose conveys more high fashion magazine conventions rather than a film magazine as jeans are clearly visible and the laid back body language of the pose does not suggest any conventions of action or thriller which I wanted to represent so as to link in with my main sell line featurette for my stars film Gun Smoke. The harsh shadowing behind my model also made the image look darker which was not appealing or easy to fade out in photoshops black and white lighting.

Image 4This side angle close up leaves suitable room to the right hand side for sell lines and a mast head without obscuring the main focal image, the direct address is visibly included as a typical magazine convention and the models expressions and facial features are the main focal point, however this image was not selected due to the harsh shadowing of the models face from the left and lack of main image detail crucial for the audience reception of my magazine and attracting attention through the main image. Overall this was not as effective with connecting with the audience

Final ImageImage 5- Final cover ImageThis image provided enough space for a mast head and sell lines to the sides, the image also conformed with traditional gangster action film connotations such as the black and white costume and the models hands loosening his tie conveying his final task to be finally over, the models hands drawing attention to around his face, his middle positioning also making his expression and demeanour the main focal point. The direct address also captures the attention of my target audience and further advertises my product. Harsh shadows allows this image to appear sinister and outlines the models frame, The advertisement being for a new gangster action film I have named Gunsmoke which fits perfectly with the design and stylistics of the image, the mise en scene meant to appear rugged and vintage.