Within the two images shown, different camera shots were used. For the coursework, it was a close-up, whereas for the preliminary task, a mid-shot was used instead. I feel that a mid-shot was used more for the preliminary task in order to identify the use of a textbook (prop) and also the smart clothing (costume). With these micro features (as part of Mise En Scene), we are able to identify the genre of the magazine straight away; as being educational for students (the target audience). In terms of the final piece of coursework, a close-up was used instead in order to create a sense of, (apart from just cheekiness and genuinity from a character deemed as close and trustworthy), loyalty, personal attraction and interaction, due to it seeming as though a there is a close conversation between the character and the reader; it brings a closer part of the character toward the reader, increasing their happiness as they feel secure and somewhat trusted, especially within the genre of music that is part of the context.

The camera nonetheless had no trouble when it came to shakiness or blur. The camera was handheld for both photography sessions, and no tripod was in use. In terms of quality, it appears much more blurred opposed to the fairly sharper quality of the newest image taken (for the Swing Saviours magazine). The camera used for the preliminary task’s image was from an iPhone 4, opposed to the more professional camera used for the final front cover for the coursework, which was taken from a Canon SX50 HS.

The quality has a noticeable difference, but they both seemed to have done the job correctly, even though a professional camera is much more ideal in comparison.

Media Evaluation Question Seven

In terms of lighting, the preliminary task’s front cover didn’t have any major adjustments, due to the character being stood close to a window, receiving natural/ambient lighting opposed to artificial lighting. A few taps of brightness were added to the character within Photoshop to make the image stand out a little bit more, but nothing major. The lighting wasn’t necessarily used to signify anything, but now thinking about it, it suggests that through education/ working hard, it will lead to a brighter future for students, such as the one who was being photographed, studying (as well).

Within the final front cover, lighting wasn’t actually a major contributor to the final look. If you look to the image on the lower right, you will see that the character is fairly darker in comparison to the preliminary task’s image. This was due to the character in this photo not being fully exposed to outdoor lighting, opposed to the glass window that was closer in the preliminary task. Nevertheless, brightness effects were used in order to suggest a sense of brighter happiness upon the reader, and through reading Swing Saviours, your life will stand out greater (like the image), and feel mentally brighter/ happier.

The colour of the preliminary task’s image was brighter than it was darker, which, in some ways, made it a little bit harder to use. This was due to the colour appearing quite blurred, and also lacked the capable focus in which would be required for the final piece. Also, the brighter image didn’t fit as easily, which is why a gradient background was used, and fairly concentrated in comparison to the gradient used in the final piece. This was in order to allow the brighter area to fit in more, and equally, with the background.

The colour within the final image was better, and deemed a yellow-orange colour, which was ideal in comparison to the brighter image. I was able to darken and brighten it easier, due to it being less blurred, and also easier to see darker areas, as with natural shadows to follow on certain sides of the face. I was able to incorporate a more natural look, which was ideal in order to convey the music magazines genre as being genuine, and the music natural; it is unique as it doesn’t’ require computer technology opposed to Rap music and House music. I wanted my character to shine to the world.

The composition of the image was fairly standard, as it held no meaning behind it. It was merely a mid-shot, which could be interpreted as suggesting that as we see more of him, education increases knowledge, so more of the character suggests greater knowledge. At the time, this wasn’t intended.

The composition of the final image would be hard to expand on. You could say that due to him being in the centre of the page, with a close-up, it suggests that he is in the centre of people’s minds. Not to mention the fact that the music that he creates is from the past but recreating in the future, which is why he is in the centre; to show a link between time, as he is now in the present day. I do feel that the quality of the image is quite good, benefiting in order to convey professionalism within the final piece.

In terms of continuity, in the preliminary task, I used two different characters, which all-in-all, wouldn’t live up to conventions of a magazine. I made the magazines edition continuous in terms of images, due to it mainly focusing on one character. I used that character only.

Improvements:

The cropping of the image: opposed to the preliminary task, I was able to crop the imagine easier and clearer, considering that in the preliminary task, I cropped the textbook accidently. The colour of the image: opposed to preliminary task, the colour seemed clearer, and less blurred also a bit more orange in comparison, making the skin colour and tone clearer (olive skin/ a slight tan). The quality of the image: opposed to the preliminary task, the image is much clearer and crisp, and the lighting is able to create a natural shadow, which was also enhanced through Photoshop. The fonts used: opposed to the preliminary task, I used the same fonts throughout the page, which created clarity and fluidity. Also, it creates a more mature approach to the genre, as it is openly stubborn and consistent. The texts colour: opposed to the preliminary task, the colour is consistent, and also due to it being black, hints a sense of maturity required in order to purchase this magazine, hence the target audience being adults. The layout used: opposed to the preliminary task, the layout is much neater. It isn’t all over the place, like the preliminary task’s one. It seems childish, as children aren’t as neat/ organised as adults are; mine is for adults. The cover lines used: opposed to the preliminary task, there is greater detail within the cover lines opposed to just one word. It gives greater detail of the magazines content. Also, it holds greater purpose, as with conventions too. The content on the page: opposed to the preliminary task, there’s more information on the page, which is ideal in order to attract and inform the user greater, giving them greater detail. The colouring and brightening: opposed to the preliminary task, I have adjusted the brightness in order to symbolise of happiness and brightness in order to attract and inspire the audience. The size of text, as with rotation: opposed to the preliminary task, the text is straight; also in line horizontally with text below and above. No text is rotated, due to it conveying immaturity. The mastheads font: opposed to the preliminary task, the font has uniqueness. It also doesn’t look as tacky, due to the outline glowing. Also, the font isn’t a visual cliché, as it’s used so much.

On average, this piece of work took around 1-2 hours to fully complete.

On average, this piece of work took around 12-14 hours to fully complete.