A medium shot shows part of the subject in detail while still showing enough context to feel like the whole subject. It is commonly used for individual artists or groups of 3 or more who are not always looking at the camera. A long shot shows the entire individual or band and displays their clothing and body language to indicate their genre. Group shots typically use a medium shot with the lead artist in the foreground and others behind, showing body language and facial expressions but not always looking at the camera. Close ups allow more audience involvement and emphasis on the artist, making them the clear focus when used for a solo artist on the cover of a magazine.
2. Medium Shot
On the front of these magazines a medium shot is
being used. The medium shot shows some part of the
subject in more detail, whilst still showing enough for
the audience to feel as if they were looking at the
whole subject. This shot is commonly used for
individual artists but also it can be used for groups,
usually 3 or more in a group. In this shot the artist is
not always looking directly at the camera as we can
see above.
3. Long Shot
On these magazines we can see that a long shot is being used. It
is rare that you have a long shot being used on the front cover but
it has been used well by all of the above magazines and it is very
effective and attracts the readers attention . Long shots are
normally used to show the whole of an individual artist or of a band
all together so they all fit into the shot. It displays their clothing and
their body language which would give indications to the genre.
4. Group Shot
Here are some examples of group shots that are used. The
shot type is usually a medium shot but it can vary. The lead
artist in the band tends to be in the foreground creating the
medium shot and the other band members behind them. It
normally gives an indication of body language and facial
expression but the artist or artists aren't always looking
directly at the camera.
Furthermore, they are usually used in groups a minimum of
about 5 and group shots are commonly used on the front of
the ‘NME’ magazine.
5. Close Up
Here we have some examples of close up shots. A close up allows
more involvement for the audience and also it puts emphasis on that
particular artist on show. When there is only one artist on the cover of
the magazine a close up is normally used. This makes them the clear
focus of the shot. It is the most common type of shot used when
displaying one person who is usually the lead from a band or a solo
artist. The back ground tends to be simple and a contrasting colour to
what the artist is wearing or their hair colour so that they stand out.
The shot normally concentrated on their face showing their expression
and they are always looking at the camera so they have eye contact
with the reader.