NME Magazine Analysis

Vibe Analysis

Deciding which central image to use

I took 6 photos which I could consider using as my central image. It is important that I pick carefully which image I use because this is the first thing the reader will see when they pick up the magazine, therefore it is pivotal that the image is suitable and portrays the correct media values which should be associated with the magazine.

Image 1

This image isn't very suitable as the cover model has negative body language which doesn't portray positive feelings about the school. The cover model also doesn't have a great facial expression, ideally he would be smiling while looking directly at the camera. The image also doesn't have a very interesting background, this means it would be difficult to decide on a cover line which relates to the image. The lighting in the image isn't great, there are many shadows this would make the reader think the magazine, and therefore the school is unprofessional. The clothing of the cover model doesn't portray the desired media values of smartness and class.



Image 2



 This image is also unsuitable for the magazine as it doesn't portray the desired media values. The background is very aimless, this means it would be confusing for the reader as it would have very little relevance to the cover lines. The lighting is too bright from above and takes the attention away from the cover model. However, the body position is intriguing, promoting the idea that the magazine is interesting.





Image 3

This image is very unsuitable, it is very similar to image 1, however it is arguably even worse as the cover model isn't looking at the camera, also his facial expression infers that the magazine is boring and uninteresting which is the complete opposite to what I want.








Image 4 
This image is much more suitable, it is a mid-shot of a reasonably well-dressed student standing next to an interesting school landmark. The fact that the cover model is standing next to a painted phone box makes the image interesting and would make the reader intrigued to read the actual magazine to see what the significance of the phone box is. The cover model is standing with his arms crossed to suggest that he is organised and knows what he is doing, he is wearing black to show that he is classy and smart. His facial expression infers that he is authoritative so the reader would be likely to be enticed to find out his role.



Image 5

This image has an interesting background, however I won't use it as my central image because the cover model has a negative facial expression which infers he isn't fully enjoying himself. Ideally the cover model would be smiling to show the school has positive media values. The lighting in the photo is good as it doesn't shade any of the image yet it doesn't take any focus off the cover model.






Image 6

This image is pretty good, the cover model is smiling to portray positive media values. The lighting is good because it has no shadows, therefore the focus is not taken off the cover model. He is also smiling and standing straight suggesting he is happy and proud to be at St Gregs. The image also shows the piece of art which presumably was produced by the cover model.







Conclusion
I think Image 6 and Image 4 are by far the best images for a magazine cover, the rest are either low quality or unsuitable. Image 4 is probably more useful than image 6 because there's more going on.

School Magazine Photo Shoot Plan

Photo-shoot plan

Central Image

·        The central image will show every day sixth form life, it will do this by having an appropriately aged student standing somewhere significant within the school grounds.

·        The facial expression will be happy to signify that the magazine is fun.

·        The picture will be taken in an area where the school looks good, this will highlight that the magazine is aiming to show the school in a positive manner.

·        The person will have their arms crossed to show that they are competent and professional.

·        The picture will be taken from a low angle to make the person fulfil the role as head teacher and seem more powerful.

·        The picture will have the person on the left and be portrait; this will make the picture be more focused on the background.

·        The cover model will be male to make the magazine seem more authorities and typically the head teacher of a school is male.

 

 

Armani Diamonds Analysis

Layout of School Magazine

School Magazine Analysis



"THE KING'S SCHOOL" - Masthead, displayed at the top to show the name of the magazine. Capital letters to highlight it's significance
"Issue no.1" - Tagline, positioned underneath the masthead to give more information about the magazine
"Only 80p!"-Puff, yellow text highlights that the magazine's cost as this is a positive because the magazine is cheap
Cover Model- Youth, this shows the target audience as it is focused at school students. Casual clothes- this shows the magazine is casual and easy to read
Secondary Image- Students at a prom, this shows that the magazine is supposed to be "fun". Anchorage with the words "Prom 2010"
Mode Of Address- Personal, there is a question "DOUGHNUTS IN THE CANTEEN?" and direct address- "HAVE YOUR SAY!"
Barcode- Positioned out of the way in the corner
Use Of Colour- Bright colours are used to make the magazine seem appealing and fun, there is a house style with the yellow text on a brown background
Font- "EXAM STRESS!" in bold to show importance, exams are arguably the most significant part of school. "UNIFORM" is a controversial subject, so the font used highlights this. "Photography Room" is in a more relaxed font as this part of the magazine is designed to be fun. "Prom 2010", this is usually associated with classy themes, so the font highlights this.
Cover Lines- Exam Stress, Uniform, Photography Room, Prom 2010

Parts of a magazine cover

Masthead-The name of the magazine, displayed at the top of the magazine front cover
Tagline- Next to the masthead, says briefly what the magazine is about
Central Image- Catches the reader's eye before they can read anything, this makes it very important, it is the main image on the front cover
Cover Model- The person or character on the front of the magazine, this may be a celebrity or a person who is individually connected to that genre
Anchorage- How images are referred to, images may have a caption next to them
Secondary Images- Additional images may be used to show other parts of the magazine
Cover Lines- Located at different points of the cover to show what other articles the magazine includes
Mode Of Address- How the magazine communicates with the reader, some will be more direct than others
Puff- Something which draws attention to part of the magazine cover, this maybe something which is set on a colourful background
Pug- The ears of the magazine in the top left or right corners, they may promote the magazine or show the price
Barcode, Price, Addition- Straightforward features, the barcode should be strategically placed, the price should be nearby
Use of colour- Effective use of colours, some magazines adjust the colour scheme from issue to issue, while others maintain the same one
Font- Different parts of the cover use different fonts to infer meaning about their text