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.