Group shots show all artists together with a focal point usually being the lead singer at the center. Long shots display the entire body and allow for props and creative poses. Mid shots are the most common magazine cover shot, balancing a detailed face, body, and accessories while having the artist stare at the camera for personal connection. Close ups also focus on the face for identification and connection through direct eye contact.

1. Shot types in magazines

2. Group shots
• It’s common amongst
magazines that the artists
are in a group
together, therefore a shot
of all of them is required.
In groups, there is usually a
leader, a focal point. This is
primarily the lead singer
but it can vary. This person
usually closest to the
camera in the centre while
the others occupy the
space around him/her.

3. Long shots
• Long shots are a way to
show the whole artists body.
In acoustic music
especially, they are quite
prominent due to props
(guitar) being a regular
feature on the front page.
They can also allow for more
creative poses as it allows
for the editor to manipulate
more than just the upper
body.

4. Mid shots
• Mid shots are the most
common shot on a magazine
front cover. This is due to it
finding the balance, every
other shot lacks something
significant. The mid shot
however incorporates a
detailed face, body, body
language and any accessories.
Predominantly, the artist will
stare straight into the
camera, to add more a
personal approach to the
audience.

5. Close ups
• Close ups are very
common like mid
shots, because a face is
the most common way of
identification. They also
stare straight into the
camera as the closeness
incorporates a more
personal touch you don’t
get with long shots for
example.