Choosing the right photographs

Here are some thumbnails of the photographs I took of one model (Jess) for the cover, contents page and double page spread. I took lots of photos, in order to give myself a big choice, in terms of angle, shot type and mise-en-scene. As well as this, there were other factors that influenced my decision such as lighting, brightness and mode of address.

There were different reasons why some photos didn't fit my criteria. For example:

The colours in these thumbnails did not contrast well. Jess's dress is white, and so is the wall behind her. It would give the magazine a bleak, bland look which is less interesting to the eye. Bright, noticeable colours help to attract the audience, because they are eye catching. Jess is pale, which adds to the white coloured background. Also, by using so much white it may seem like I am trying to symbolise purity, through imagery, which is not the case. Jess is meant to represent a diva-type figure, not an innocent, angelic young girl. The other photos where she is wearing red are brighter and bolder, which give her a look of importance and belonging.

The lighting in these photos is too dark, making it difficult to see Jess, as well not making her the main focus. The white lighting from the window behind makes the colour contrast not right, as well as being unsaturated. The overall effect is untidy and unprofessional which is not what my magazine should achieve. She is also sitting on a sofa, and the shot is more of a long shot than some of the other pictures above, making her less of the central image. The cushions on the sofa mean that there is too much for the audience to focus on, as Jess is not zoomed in on and too much is going on around her. I need my photos to be more minimalistic than these.

Firstly, there is too much going on in this image- there are lamps and objects behind her, which provide a distraction from what should be the main focus. Secondly, the lighting is too bright on her face and body, due to the flash being on. This makes her look unnaturally pale, which is unsightly to the audience. She is also posed at an awkward angle, where to much of her arms are on show.

Chosen photographs:

I will be using this image for the double page spread. The shadow behind creates a silhouette, which helps to make Jess stand out an be noticed. It is a medium shot which is what I wanted for the double page spread because I will need space for the article. This image is minimalistic and bare.

This is the photograph I will be using for the front cover. This is because she is posed at a good angle- she is playfully pulling her hair and smiling, which immediately invites the audience. She is also making direct eye contact which is more intense than a candid image. The lighting is good, she is lit without being too bright.

This image is one which I will use for the contents page. Although there is a light switch and a door, I can use the magic wand tool or the magnetic lasso on Photoshop to cut her out and paste her on to the front cover.