Main Task - Photoshoot

I considered a range of techniques while constructing my images on a professional camera for use in my Main Task. These included:

• Taking images from a variety of angles  and heights, e.g. low angle shots, close ups and mid-shots.
• Adjusting the lighting and the point of focus on some of the images where appropriate.
• Manipulating the body composition of the person featuring in the image.
• Obeying the rule of thirds
• Using and understanding the different settings on the SLR camera

In order to demonstrate my understanding of a variety of different media technologies and ICT I needed to understand what a SLR camera is and how I can use the range of techniques available effectively. Below is an example of the camera that I used: 

1. Shooting Modes - Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Mode. Each has their own purpose.
2. Depth-of-Field – This is a measure of how much of the scene is in focus and is most easily controlled by changing the aperture.
3. ISO – This increases the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light, but also increases that amount of digital noise.
4. Focus Modes – There’s fixed focus and servo focus, as well as a hybrid mode. Which is best to use depends on the movement of your subject.
5. Focal Points – Selecting one or several focus points can help you fine-tune your focusing.

I used this understanding of modes to help me with manipulating my images throughout my photoshoot.

Before I began taking pictures for my photo-shoot, I firstly wanted to practise the basics of using the digital SLR camera and familiarising myself the modes (above) so that I would encounter no problems whilst shaving started my photo-shoot. Here are some pictures I took whilst practising the basics: 

Although this image will obviously not feature in my media product I wanted to document my skills with an advanced digital SLR camera to illustrate how I  have considered all the different factors when it comes to taking a professional shot. The image displays me whilst practising taking photos of my model before I placed her in front of on my backdrop and before applying/using all of the props etc. 

Once I felt that I became used to and comfortable with using the professional camera, I started to organise and arrange my plans for the images which I wanted to be taken. To begin with, I was very font of my models makeup as she is wearing a deep-red coloured lipstick (which will later become useful as my accent colour within my house style) and so I wanted to take some close-up shots with my model looking directly at the camera (demonstrating direct mode of address) which will later serve as effective for drawing in my target audience. Here are my close-up shots of my model:

After a few simple and serious shots which involved me instructing my model and suggesting her expressions looking directly at the camera, I told my model to relax and act natural to capture a series of natural and relaxed shots whilst smiling and laughing - not necessarily looking at the camera - which will create a unconventional and alternative look, which also subtly links to my magazine genre. Here are my selection of the best images which demonstrate the relaxed look: 

After these relaxed images, I moved on to the aim of taking an effective, eye-catching and captivating image to use on my magazine front cover. To do so, I used the image of Lana Del Rey from my mock-up front cover as my inspiration (as I thought this pose was very effective and dramatic) and so I instructed my model on how to stand/pose and how to look at the camera. I aimed to produce a mid-shot of my model similar to Lana Del Rey but with some originality in it also. Here I compare my mock-up image cover to the images which I have taken of my model in a similar pose:

After collecting a range of images with my model in this particular pose, I decided to use the one which my model is displaying as the most expressionless, glazed and mysterious expression as this matches with my inspiration picture from my mock-up; and creates mystery which will hopefully attract my target audience's attention to my music magazine.

Similarly to above, I wanted to use an inspiration picture for my model to aspire to during my photo-shoot. I put my model (again) behind a black back-drop, which I felt was the most effective and would make my model stand out as she has blonde hair and is wearing bright, distinct make-up. Although the backdrop on my inspiration image from my mock-up is not black, I wanted to use black because it would enhance my image much more than a white back-drop would; also it would exhibit originality and differentiation in my magazine and also development throughout my magazine creation process. To continue with this variety and differentiation, I got my model to pose slightly differently than how Lana is posing in the picture; specifically I instructed my model to have her arms crossed and her leg against the wall. My aim here was to create a relaxed look which was also a statement, which I feel I have achieved.Here are my images taken whilst instructing my model on how to pose similarly, but not exactly the same as my inspiration picture.

Although I originally did not want to use a white back-drop, I decided to use one just out of curiosity and to experiment with my model to maximise my options with the images being taken. I instructed my model the same as I did with the images taken above. Here are similar images taken against a white backdrop:

I liked these images as the colour of my models' trousers are not lost in the black backdrop like in the above photos, however I've decided I will colour my music magazine front cover with a black background, so I will use the black backdrop images as these will best compliment my front cover and my house style.



Next, I used my second model to produce pictures which I could possibly use on my contents page. I chose this model as he comfortably fits the description and stereotype which 'Jamie T' holds, who is another cover line for my magazine front cover and contents page. The props which I got my model to wear was a harrington jacket which accurately fits Jamie-T's identity and description, along with his smart/casual dress style. Here are two simple images displaying relaxed and rebellious body language whilst also looking away from the camera, suggesting an unconventional look, which matches his personality well for my magazine.
This image was taken against a plain, black backdrop:

 This next image was taken against a brick wall, which looks very effective and fits my magazine genre of indie/alternative and also fits Jamie T's personality very well as he's known by his fans as always on the streets etc.

Next, I used wire and the flash of the camera on my models phone against the flash of the SLR camera to create photos with a luminous effect on the wire. This was an experiment at first but after a few practise shots it proved to be extremely effective. Here are some practise shots whilst getting used to the effect:

After we felt confident, my group and I tooka range of shots featuring this effect with my model against a cracked-painting wall. All of these elements made my photos very different, original and eciting and will hopefully interest my target audience really well.

Here is the shot that will feature on my contents page. I felt that this shot was the most effective as not too much of my models face was covered by the luminous wire, yet it is equally as enticing and effective as it is on all of the other shots. The cracked paint in the background gives the edgy, careless look which works extremely well with my magazine genre. My model is also showing direct mode of address which will work to draw in and connect with my target audience.