Selecting and Constructing photography for the music magazine

I looked at a series of websites to find appropriate professional photography that I could use in my magazine. This is because: I need to have lots of options for what to

use in the magazine. I need to have plenty of variety that helps

to represent my music scene accurately.

I like this one because apart from the lead singer (centre), the other members’ heads appear to be floating, whilst giving an almost 3D feel. This appears to show the importance of the lead singer.

It could be used predominantly for a cover shoot, or a contents page.

It would influence the design of the page by allowing text to be placed around it.

I like this one because there is a strong emphasis on the Union Jack, with the flag being in both the background and with the centre figure wearing a Union Jack jacket. Also, despite all members looking directly at the camera, it is easy to tell who the most influential figure is.

It could be used for both a cover shot or a contents page.

It would influence the design of the page by focussing solo on the image and in particular the member at the front centre of the image.

I like this one because of the way the terraced housing on both the left and right focus into the figure. Secondly the lightness of the surroundings contrast well with the figure, giving an important, tall image whilst having an indirect mode of address.

It could be used for either a contents page or double page spread.

It would influence the design of the page by being easily suitable for text to be fitted around the figure, whilst still keeping the contrast.

I like this one because it shows the 3 members looking down directly on the camera. Also, there appears to be a tower block in the background giving a inner city feel. Lastly, the clean, black suits contrast well with the pale, light background.

It could be used for a cover or contents page.

It would influence the design of the page by allowing the audience/reader to engage directly with the band members. This is because all three members are looking straight out the photo.

I like this one because despite their being 6 members, an unusually large number for a band, all members appear to be engaged with the image. Secondly, the wall in the backdrop sets for a good layout and centre point.

It could be used for a contents page or double page spread.

It would influence the design of the page by allowing text to be place around the figures, most notably the top right corner and possibly any of the other three corners.

I like this one because the lead signer is at the focal point of the image, not only being at the centre, but also set the furthest forward. In addition the person at the centre is the only person who is quite a clear image. All the others are slightly pixelated, or not even looking at the camera. Also, the image is in black and white, giving it an older, vintage and retro theme.

This could be used for a cover page or contents page picture.

It would influence the design of the page by allowing the band to be at the very centre of the page. Similarly, text could be placed in the bottom right and left, where the clothes are dark.

Photography useful for a front page might be: Artists in dramatic poses

that focus on their character.

‘Pop-up’ figures that are cut out at the bottom

Unusual designs that can be used as album covers and adjusted in Photoshop

Close-ups and medium close-ups for secondary leads

Live shots, stage shots and poster-style shots

Backgrounds and textures

Photography useful for a contents page might be: ‘Mugshots’ of the editor

for the editorial ‘Framing images’ that

help to create a shape that the contents can work around

Close-ups of instruments, clothing etc for features with a special focus

More band and artist shots

Drawings and designs that represent artists / ideas

Unusual designs that can be used as album covers and adjusted in Photoshop

Photography useful for a double page might be: Shot series’ that show

various poses and expressions

Wide angle shots that help to create mood / atmosphere and highlight setting

Long, loosely framed shots making maximum use of mise en scene

Fun or story-relevant inset shots of the artists

Many of those also relevant for the other pages such as…

‘Framing images’ that help to create a shape to work around

Drawings and designs that represent artists / ideas

Artists in dramatic poses that focus on their character.

Unusual designs that can be used as album covers and adjusted in Photoshop

Close-ups and medium close-ups for secondary leads

Live shots, stage shots and poster-style shots

Backgrounds and textures

99 best designed album covers - http://inspiredology.com/99-best-designed-album-covers/

Top album covers - http://www.topalbumcovers.com/

Top 50 album covers - http://www.ugo.com/music/best-album-covers