Magazine Photography Planning

To help me when I come to taking my photos, I decided it would be a good idea to plan exactly what kind of photos I need so that I can get the best out come possible rather than throwing together a few poses in the moment of photography.

I feel I would like to take a few simplistic group shots of my chosen models/band members with serious facial expressions as I've noticed that this is common kind of photograph taken of bands, for example, the image of Black Veil Brides on the left.
- Use plain/simple background
- Main focus should be the band
- Lead member of the band up front? Made to stand out more?
- No props to add to the simplicity

Another kind of photo I would like to try taking is a theatrical style of photo such as the one on the left.
- Simple background or maybe a background that fits the theatrical scene (Zombies or vampires in a graveyard?)
- Dramatic, theatrical make up
- A simple yet fitting costume? Must be achievable so not too dramatic
- Props to fit the scene

I would also like to take a dramatic close up shot much like the one to the left.
- Perhaps using Anna due to her pale skin and long hair?
- Dramatic make up (Deathly effect, pale face, bruised eyes?)
- Close up
- Three point lighting?
- Blurred out background to bring main focus to model.
- Maybe serious facial expression
- Or perhaps a slightly more dramatic facial expression like the one on the left.

Photo of interestingly posed model in a slightly theatrical style.
- Similar to theatrical style of photo but more elegant with perhaps a single person.
- Would need a fitting choice of clothes, for example, in the image on the left, the model is almost bird like and her dress looks almost feathered (looks like the coat of a raven)
- Could use a plain background to bring more attention to the model and her/his interesting style of pose.
- Blurred sections/body/edges to imply movement?

A Medium shot could be used to show the prop being held and to give a limited view of the background.
- As a lot of background space would be on show, it might me best to use a specific scene.
- Strong body language and facial expression or perhaps use delicately shocked/nervous body language and expressions to create an interesting effect similar to the image on the left.
- Fitting props (Roses, Microphone, other object?)

Perhaps try recreating a concert scene? Could show variation in imagery and would look different to most of the other kinds of photos.
- Props such as Guitars, Microphones and amps would be necessary to create a realistic scene
- Correct lighting would be necessary (Different light points such as the ones at most concerts)
- Appropriate concert clothing (Is band theatrical in style or simplistic?)

I want to experiment with dramatic lighting to create different effects such as the darkness on one side of the face in the image to the left.
- Try creating different shadows using different light sources.
- Three point light source
- Lighting only from above to cast dramatic shadows down face
- Singular light points?

Photography and Logo Analysis

Bad Pollyanna
Overall, Bad Pollyanna have a unique look with their most recognisable feature being the intense stares achieved by make up and contact lenses.

In the photo, the lead singer stands out as a main part of the band by using bright colours, such as, her vibrant pink hair and purple clothing. She stands out as the other members are dressed in black, making the vibrant pink and purple become eye catching. Along with this, so not to distract from the band members, the background is simple, however, it is given a Gothic appearance by using what appears to be a faded out image of some kind of stone architecture overlaid on to a simplistic grey backing.

The Bad Pollyanna logo is intricately designed with the use of roses and thorns. The roses could symbolise that although beautiful, there is a danger beneath. However, the way the thorns are twisted, it reminds me of Sleeping Beauty when she was trapped behind the thorns, this gives the band a theme of fairytales.
Along with this, the text of the logo is done using a serif font which has been distorted slightly to fit the bed of thorns.

Ashestoangels
The main things that stands out in this image is the stark contrast of what appears to be blood on white. This is almost zombie like or vampiric as it implies the eating or drinking of something living and so it creates an uncomfortable feeling to look at.

To show who is the main person/lead singer, they have placed the lead at the front so he is closer to you in the photo. However, the use of steps to sit on makes it easier to see each member so that no band member goes unseen as each member is important.

As of clothing, each member is dressed in the same white t-shirt and black jeans, making them noticeably part of the same band.

The Ashestoangels logo is simplistic and written in a serif font, however, a unique look is given to the logo by it's use of erosion on each letter.
The logo is easily recognisable in it's simplicity and due to how common serif fonts are, the logo will become recognisable each time a serif font is used.

Her Dark Embrace
The band, overall, have a very simple appearance and don't seem to use any particular props or items of clothing, therefore not making anything in the photo stand out.

The photo, although uninteresting in appearance, takes on a Gothic look due to the use of black which is a stereotypical Goth colour. Along with this, the Gothic stereotype is added to by their dark facial expressions, this is effective as a stereotypical Goth isn't often painted as excitable or grinning.

The Her Dark Embrace logo is similar to that of Ashestoangels in it's use of eroded text and simple black and white colours. However, unlike the previous bands, Her Dark Embrace have a simple logo to go with their main one which can make the band more easily recognisable each time that simple logo/image is in view. To make sure the simple logo is associated with the main one, it has been faded out and put in behind the text, this gives the main logo an, overall, more interesting look.

Fearless Vampire Killers
It is immediately made obvious by the unique appearance that this band have gone for a more theatrical look, using heavy make up and interesting poses. The aim of this photo was to appear zombie like which has been achieved by using fake blood, overdramatic deathly make up and 'hungry' zombie like expressions.

This photo has been positioned in almost the same way that the image of Her Dark Embrace has been however, it automatically becomes more interesting simply by using different poses and contrasting colours.

Along with this, the simple black background means that no attention is drawn away from the band members and it also means that all other colours, such as reds and whites, stands out more due to the high contrast in colours.

Unlike the other logos, Fearless Vampire Killers have a more vibrantly coloured logo, using red to create an eye catching effect. This means that if posters were to be put up with their name, people would be more drawn to look at the posters as their eyes have been caught by the vibrant red which could lead to more band recognition.
To give the font a more interesting look, the bottom of the logo has been cut around what appears to be a city scape. This links with their band as their band and music are based on the novel Ruple and Evelyn and therefore, the city scape could be Grandomina, the place where the novel is based.

Fearless Vampire Killers also have a simple logo which is easily recognisable. I feel it is a good idea to have a small logo as it is easier to put everywhere and creates recognition of the band more easily without having to see the band name.
This small logo also fits with the band as it fits their name Fearless Vampire Killers. This is because the logo almost appears to be two fang like puncture wounds and then below, what looks like a pair of vampire fangs.

Black Veil Brides
Overall, this image is Gothic in appearance due to the dark greyscale tones. This creates a Gothic effect as you are unlikely to see vibrant colours in a Gothic stereotype. The image also takes on a style of rock as each member is wearing a leather jacket which is stereotypical in rock style. As each member is wearing a leather jacket, they have also been made to appear more obviously as part of the same band.
Although there is no obvious colouring to show who is the main member, the lighting illuminates the man in the middle, making him stand out in a subtle way. The background also helps as it makes each of the band members stand out more. The use of contrast in pale skin and black background creates a somewhat vampiric effect and makes the band members stand out.

Along with this, each member has a very intense facial expression, as though they are giving you a hard stare which almost intimidates you. This is effective as it makes the band seem powerful.

The logo for Black Veil Brides fits with the common colour scheme of black and white.
This logo is also simple as the text is a serif font with only a few subtle distortions such as that of the 'DE' in Brides. 
Much like the two previous bands, BVB also have their own simplistic logo which has been cleverly turned into a pentagram/star.

Models

To help choose my models, I have chosen a selection of people I can use as my options and decided why they may or may not be suitable.

Leah McRuvie

I feel Leah would be a suitable model for a Rock band as she has dark hair and is suited to wearing dark eye make up, much like other existing rock band members. Along with this, she has stretchers in her ears which add to her Punk look. Another thing that makes her suitable for a rock magazine is her Punk/Goth style as this means she already has the correct style for my magazine and will, over all, make her more comfortable modelling for a rock magazine.

Archie O'Niell

I chose Archie as one of my options because I feel he would be one of my best choices. I feel this because he is already a model and great actor, therefore making him extremely capable of modelling for my magazine. I also like that he can pull off most looks, for example, he is shown to be dark and somewhat Gothic in the photo on the right, much like most of the band members in the covers I analysed, which will be the kind of look I need for my magazine. Along with this, he already has a unique look and prominent cheek bones, meaning he could help my magazine to stand out and look good.

Photos of Archie came from his page on the 'Select Model' site - http://www.selectmodel.com/portfolio.aspx?nav=2&mdlid=674195&sexid=1&msubid=9257&subid=9257

Monaya Abel

Monaya would be a good model for my magazine as she has a great face shape and dark hair which could be manipulated into different and interesting styles for my photos. Dark hair will be important in my photos as a lot of stereotypical Goths have dark hair and stereotyping will be important in making my magazine obviously a Rock magazine. However, I also feel Monaya has a sweet/friendly look about her whereas a Gothic stereotype would look darker and somewhat frightening, this could therefore make Monaya a less suitable model for a Rock magazine as she might seem out of place.

Emelia Davies

Emelia is a possible model due to her hair which can be manipulated into a variety of styles. Along with this, she also looks good in a variety of different clothing styles and is suited to wearing leather jackets. However, I think it is unlikely I will use her as a model as she has a rather childish, youthful look which will make her seem out of place in a rock magazine. It is likely that her childish look would distract from the somewhat 'dangerous' looking cover I have in mind and would make her seem out of place, as though she were a child standing among adults.

Anna Bundy

I believe Anna would be a good choice in model as she has modelled for previous photos in my Art projects and so I trust her skill in modelling. I also know, due to previous photo shots, that she can pull off a variety of different looks and wont look out of place in my rock magazine. Anna's long hair can be seen as an advantage also as it can be styled with ease into different Gothic styles. Although her hair might not fit with my idea of stereotyped dark hair, I still feel her fair hair will look just as good as she already has pale skin and so she can be made to appear ghostly and will therefore fit with a ghostly graveyard theme.

Over all, I believe my best choices in model for my magazine would be Leah McRuvie, Archie O'Neill and Anna Bundy as I trust that they will all be capable models and fitting for a rock magazine due to their unique styles and appearances. It is most likely that I will formulate two bands, the first being my front cover band who will be styled to look Ghostly and to fit with Goth Rock, this will involve the use of Anna and Archie as models. My second band will be used in extra photos such as smaller cover photos and contents page photos, this will involve the use of Leah who will be styled to a more Punk Rock look. However, this decision is not final as I may later develop or change my ideas.

Preliminary Project

For my Preliminary Project, I had to design the Cover and Contents Page of a School Magazine.

Cover

For my cover, I am pleased with the way I used a polaroid style white border to help my images stand out from the main image and the subtle shading to make the text stand out. However, I feel I did not add enough text, for example, next time, I should include more inside previews and special offers on the cover. Along with this, I believe a more interesting, eye-catching cover image could have been used as the current one seems a bit plain. Be that as it may, the simple image seems fitting for a formal school magazine. I also didn't use any props or convincing clothing and so, without the Masthead, the magazine wouldn't obviously be a school magazine, therefore meaning I should use fitting clothes and props when I create my rock magazine.
On the other hand, I am pleased with the way Asher (my model) is staring right into the camera lens as this gives a feeling of connection and involvement to the reader. The kind expression she has is also good because this makes the school magazine seem more friendly and welcoming rather than too formal. Along with this, I am pleased with the plain background I used as it doesn't distract from the main parts of the magazine, such as the masthead, model and text. However, I feel I should have placed the models head in front of the Masthead as this is a common thing with all magazines I have researched.

Contents Page

For my contents page, I feel my choice in font was good as it is formal enough for a school magazine and is also easy to read. However, I feel the photos and layout I used weren't very exciting. For example, the photos I used were a bad choice as they were taken on a gloomy looking day and so this gives the whole contents page a gloomy appearance. Along with this, I feel the layout is too clearly divided into halves, for example, The use of the top half for images and the bottom half for text makes the page seem unexciting. The bottom half also seems too plain as it is only black text on a white back ground without any added images. Next time, I should consider creating a less clear divide and perhaps use a more exciting colour scheme, even white writing on black backing would create a more eye-catching and unique appearance.

Camera Angles

Low Angle Shot

A low angle shot can be used to make the person in the shot seem over-powering and above everyone else. In this case, it has been used make the model seem powerful but also to give a feeling of being in the crowd at the concert where that photo was taken. This is an effective photo as it gives a feeling of being stood beneath someone who is more 'popular' than you and so you feel as though you are stood at the front of a concert.

High Angle Shot

A high angle shot can be used to create a sense of powerlessness in the model, therefore making the person seeing the image feel more powerful. In this case, the reader will feel more powerful than the band displayed on the page, this could be because the band are experiencing difficulties in their career or for any other reason that the band may be losing power.

Close Up Shot

A close up shot can be used to display the models emotions and to create a sense of closeness with the person in the image. This closeness could be to intimidate, like it would in a fight, or it could be to create a sense of intimacy. In this case, the close up shot has been used to display the dark facial expression of the model which creates a feeling of danger.

Medium/Mid Shot

A medium/mid shot can be used to give a view of the facial expression, yet also the body language and surroundings. In this case, the shot has been used to show the laid back body language of the model, showing she is at ease, however, her facial expression shows less ease and more curiousity or perhaps a readiness to fight. It also shows the dark clothing she is wearing, making her appear more Gothic. This shot, however, has not been used to show background as it is plain, instead, this extra background space has been used to display text.

Long Shot

This shot allows people to see what is going on and all characters included, it gives a broad view of the surrounding area. In this case, the shot has been used to give a view of the surrounding area as this sets the scene, you are also given a view of the people included and so you get the idea of what kind of people they are based on their overall appearance.

Production and Distribution Companies

These are four of the most well known rock magazines which I feel will inspire me when I begin creating my own and so I have done a little background research on the production and distribution companies of each.

 Production Company

The production company of Kerrang! Magazine is Bauer Media Group which is a large European based media company founded in 1875. Bauer Media produce and distribute over 600 magazines such as 'Q', 'MOJO' and 'Kerrang!'.

After entering the UK with the launch of Bella Magazine, Bauer became Britain's third largest publisher under the name of H Bauer Publishing.

Distributor 

Kerrang! Magazine are also distributed by Bauer Media Group.

Production Company
NME is published by Time inc. UK which is a digital publisher that sells over 350 million copies of magazines a year and was founded in 1968. Time Inc. is one of the largest branded media companies in the world reaching more than 130 million people each month across multiple platforms.

Distributor
NME are distributed by their production company, Time inc. UK.




Distributor
Wenner Media are the producers and distributors of Rolling Stone Magazine. Jann Wenner founded Wenner Media in 1967, the time when it founded Rolling Stone magazine. It's other magazines include 'Look' and 'Us Weekly'.

Producing Company
Wenner Media are also the producing company for Rolling Stone Magazine.

Distributor

The distributor of Metal Hammer Magazine is Future plc which was founded in 1985. Future plc was ranked sixth largest media corporation in 2006 and it's magazines include 'Total Guitar', 'Rhythm' and 'Guitarist'. Along with this, Future plc once owned the popular heavy metal magazine 'Revolver', however, it sold the magazine to New Bay Media in 2012.

Production Company

Metal Hammer's production company is also Future plc.

Survey Results - Collection and Analysis

"How old are you?"

For my first question, I asked "How old are you?", the highest result for this question was 30 out of 46 people in 13-18 years of age. This has helped me decide the age range of my target audience as it has made me aware of the fact that those who are most interested in music are 13-18 years old.
This means I will be catering to a younger audience when designing my magazine.













"What is your gender?"

For this question, I was surprised to see that more people who were taking the survey were female. I expected there to be an even amount of boys and girls, however, the difference in numbers could simply be because more female people found the survey and so less male people took it as they didn't find it, or this could be because people of the female gender are more interested in music.

"Which genre of music are you most interested in?"

Over all, there is a varied interest in music, however, the three most prominent genres of choice are Rock, Pop and Indie/Alternative. This did not surprise me as, from my experience, they are three of the most common genre choices. Be that as it may, I was surprised by the lack of answers in 'Others' as I was expecting people to choose R&B, Rap or other genres which I didn't put as an option.

For this question, Rock received the most votes and so I have decided to use Rock as my chosen magazine genre rather than my original genre of Goth as I feel this would create a more widely appreciated magazine.

"How often do you read music magazines?"

I was unsurprised by the answers for this question as I realised that a lot of people are unwilling to subcribe to certain magazines or even buy them as most information can be found online now. I was also unsurprised that "Once a week" and "Once a month" were two of the highest, excluding "Never". This did not surprise me as a lot of music magazines come out once a month or once a week, for example, I am subcribed to 'Kerrang!' magazine which comes out once a week.

"How much would you pay for a music magazine?"

I asked this question because I wanted to see which got the highest vote and what kind of price range I should use for my own magazine.

I was unsurprised to find that most people wanted to spend as little money as possible. This caused me to question whether it was better to make my magazine more favourable with cheap cost so that more people might buy it or whether it would be better to make it a little more expensive so to target the 34.78% who chose £3.99 - £4.99.

"What is your favourite band/singer?"

This question was asked to help me find out what kind of bands people are into and to find out which bands are classed as Rock so that I might look into the way they present themselves and take influence on how I should present my own Rock band to create a Gothic/Rock look that shows the genre of my magazine easily.

"How often do you listen to music?"

I expected "Everyday" do be the most voted answer as music is something that comes into everyday life, whether it's on adverts, films or even the radio. Another reason I expected this answer was because I also found that music comes into my everyday life.
I asked this question to see how interested in music people actually are.

"What would make you want to buy a music magazine?"

The reason I asked this question was that I wanted to see the main things people look for in a magazine so I would know what to put on my magazine cover or in the contents page.
This has helped me as I now know I will need to include previews of articles on favourite artists and perhaps special offers linked to these favourite artists. I also now know that some people look for free gifts in a magazine and therefore I will include offers for such gifts and perhaps a preview on the cover of free posters inside which will act as a free gift.