evaluation activity 6, media coursework

1. Photoshop
Throughout the course I have used Photoshop CS6 to
create the magazine. I am familiar with the software
through use in GCSE media and I have managed to
further develop my skills with the program. Although I
had used the software before it was difficult to
understand so when I came back to it I needed to relearn
some of the skills. I now feel very confident using
Photoshop, in the coursework I have learnt how to adjust
text, by adapting my article text to be justified, resizing
images and using the grid and lines effectively. I wanted
to keep a realistic image of the artists so didn't use the
blemish tool. From my experience with Photoshop I have
learnt how important it is to understand the software
being used to make sure you're comfortable, therefore
will create a magazine more realistic to real life.
There is a large difference between my preliminary cover
and final double page; I had used a lot more layers which
I had manipulated for the needs of the product. Whereas
my preliminary had 9 layers which were simple and
unprofessional looking.

2. Lighting
In my work I have understood to use of lighting in photos, by
looking at other photographers work and peers I knew I wanted
a bright room. At first I didn't’t realize the difference of using the
room lights and then also adding the use of the lamps. These
created a clearer image and features were more prominent. My
preliminary work was taken on my phone and I only used the
main lights in the room. It is helpful that the room I took the
photos in is painted bright white so that the camera can capture
a clear image. I experimented with a dark room and the flash on
the camera being the only light in the image but this resulted in
unfocused images and the face wasn't’t as prominent as I was
looking for. The photos below show the contrast between the
main lights in the room being on, the male had just the
photography lights on and the flash of the camera, it created
shadows behind him, where as the girl’s image is brighter as all
lights were on.
Through this I have learnt that photography isn’t as simple as
taking a photo and lighting can have a big impact on the result
of the image. I understand why so many photos are taken in real
media as it is difficult to capture a ‘perfect’ image.
Camera
In my preliminary and my first lot of draft phots I used my
iPhone 7 camera, it took good photos but the camera available
provided clear photos and was just as easy to work with. The
camera I used at school was the Nikon D3200, it captures
natural clear images. It was easily accessible and was what the
majority of students used in their work.
I also had the option of using a tripod, for a few images I did as
it could be manipulated to a height and many photos taken in a
similar positioning. However I chose to hold the camera often
as it allowed me to move freely and get the right width and
length I desired.

3. Blogger
This was not new to me I had used it previously in GCSE
media and have another blog for AS media. It is simple and
effective in that it will display your work in a clear order. At
first it was a bit confusing so I had to learn how to attach
images, documents, connect software such as scribd and
slideshare but it is easy to use. I have used blogger to
document my whole media coursework so that I, my
teachers and eventually the examiner will be able to look at
my work.
This software allows
Microsoft word publications
to be uploaded and
transferred onto platforms
such as blogger. It is very
simple to use and keeps the
work in the same format as it
origin, so it is clear to read.
This, like Scribd, presents
Microsoft office. It shows
PowerPoint presentations, it
is easy to use and also is the
transfer process to blogger so
that it can be stored for other
observations.
This software is similar to
Microsoft Powerpoint in that it
provides a presentation but it
can be manipulated to look
more professional or creative. I
had never used it before but
managed to get my head
around it and it was good to
develop an understanding for
more software programs like
this.
I also worked with
Google chrome which
was the browser
easiest to use to
connect to Blogger. I
also used it side by
side with safari as
they have the same
function. It is very
easy to navigate.

4. MacBook
At the beginning of my research I used the school computers and then
went onto use my MacBook. It was a dramatic difference and I had to
download Microsoft office and Photoshop onto it. There were slight
differences in the software's but I got used to the different lay out and
way of using tools. I found it much easier to use my laptop and have
to work easily accessible for myself. I made sure to save all my work
onto a memory stick so that I could always have it even when I didn't’t
bring my laptop.
Internet
I have looked deeper on the internet than I typically would in order to find the
information I need for my research and planning. This research provided me with a lot
more information and helped with all aspects of the coursework. I was able to view online
only magazines, such as Beat, they follow the same rules as conventional magazines but
now work well for a modern audience and is also good for the environment as there was
no need to cut trees for paper and use chemicals in printing. This is an aspect a more
environmentalist society is going to appreciate and will bring a good readership. Also
learning about companies ownership over different aspects of media made me
understand the extent to which conglomerates have mass power over our cultural beliefs.
I had a variety of magazines available to look at in depth in class but as the internet has a
reservoir of information and examples so I could see a wider variety of genres, covers and
styles of magazine.