1) The document compares two images - one from a preliminary task using a mid-shot from an iPhone, and one from a coursework task using a close-up from a Canon camera. 2) The preliminary image used natural lighting from a window, while the coursework image was darker since the subject was not as exposed to outdoor lighting. 3) Improvements in the coursework image included better cropping, clearer color, higher quality, consistent fonts and text colors, and a neater layout with more detailed cover lines and information to better attract and inform readers.

1. Within the two images shown, different camera shots were used. For the coursework, it was a
close-up, whereas for the preliminary task, a mid-shot was used instead. I feel that a mid-shot
was used more for the preliminary task in order to identify the use of a textbook (prop) and
also the smart clothing (costume). With these micro features (as part of Mise En Scene), we are
able to identify the genre of the magazine straight away; as being educational for students (the
target audience). In terms of the final piece of coursework, a close-up was used instead in
order to create a sense of, (apart from just cheekiness and genuinity from a character deemed
as close and trustworthy), loyalty, personal attraction and interaction, due to it seeming as
though a there is a close conversation between the character and the reader; it brings a closer
part of the character toward the reader, increasing their happiness as they feel secure and
somewhat trusted, especially within the genre of music that is part of the context.
The camera nonetheless had no trouble when it came to shakiness or blur. The camera was
handheld for both photography sessions, and no tripod was in use. In terms of quality, it
appears much more blurred opposed to the fairly sharper quality of the newest image taken
(for the Swing Saviours magazine). The camera used for the preliminary task’s image was from
an iPhone 4, opposed to the more professional camera used for the final front cover for the
coursework, which was taken from a Canon SX50 HS.
The quality has a noticeable difference, but they both seemed to have done the job correctly,
even though a professional camera is much more ideal in comparison.
Media Evaluation Question Seven

2. In terms of lighting, the preliminary task’s front cover didn’t have any major adjustments, due
to the character being stood close to a window, receiving natural/ambient lighting opposed to
artificial lighting. A few taps of brightness were added to the character within Photoshop to
make the image stand out a little bit more, but nothing major. The lighting wasn’t necessarily
used to signify anything, but now thinking about it, it suggests that through education/ working
hard, it will lead to a brighter future for students, such as the one
who was being photographed, studying (as well).
Within the final front cover, lighting wasn’t actually a major
contributor to the final look. If you look to the image on the lower
right, you will see that the character is fairly darker in comparison
to the preliminary task’s image. This was due to the character in
this photo not being fully exposed to outdoor lighting, opposed to
the glass window that was closer in the preliminary task.
Nevertheless, brightness effects were used in order to suggest a
sense of brighter happiness upon the reader, and through reading
Swing Saviours, your life will stand out greater (like the image),
and feel mentally brighter/ happier.
The colour of the preliminary task’s image was brighter than it was darker, which, in some
ways, made it a little bit harder to use. This was due to the colour appearing quite blurred, and
also lacked the capable focus in which would be required for the final piece. Also, the brighter
image didn’t fit as easily, which is why a gradient background was used, and fairly concentrated
in comparison to the gradient used in the final piece. This was in order to allow the brighter
area to fit in more, and equally, with the background.
The colour within the final image was better, and deemed a yellow-orange colour, which was
ideal in comparison to the brighter image. I was able to darken and brighten it easier, due to it
being less blurred, and also easier to see darker areas, as with natural shadows to follow on
certain sides of the face. I was able to incorporate a more natural look, which was ideal in order
to convey the music magazines genre as being genuine, and the music natural; it is unique as it
doesn’t’ require computer technology opposed to Rap music and House music. I wanted my
character to shine to the world.
The composition of the image was fairly standard, as it held no meaning behind it. It was merely
a mid-shot, which could be interpreted as suggesting that as we see more of him, education
increases knowledge, so more of the character suggests greater knowledge. At the time, this
wasn’t intended.
The composition of the final image would be hard to expand on. You could say that due to him
being in the centre of the page, with a close-up, it suggests that he is in the centre of people’s
minds. Not to mention the fact that the music that he creates is from the past but recreating in
the future, which is why he is in the centre; to show a link between time, as he is now in the
present day. I do feel that the quality of the image is quite good, benefiting in order to convey
professionalism within the final piece.
In terms of continuity, in the preliminary task, I used two different characters, which all-in-all,
wouldn’t live up to conventions of a magazine. I made the magazines edition continuous in
terms of images, due to it mainly focusing on one character. I used that character only.

3. Improvements:
The cropping of the image: opposed to the preliminary task, I was able to crop the imagine
easier and clearer, considering that in the preliminary task, I cropped the textbook accidently.
The colour of the image: opposed to preliminary task, the colour seemed clearer, and less
blurred also a bit more orange in comparison, making the skin colour and tone clearer (olive
skin/ a slight tan).
The quality of the image: opposed to the preliminary task, the image is much clearer and crisp,
and the lighting is able to create a natural shadow, which was also enhanced through
Photoshop.
The fonts used: opposed to the preliminary task, I used the same fonts throughout the page,
which created clarity and fluidity. Also, it creates a more mature approach to the genre, as it is
openly stubborn and consistent.
The texts colour: opposed to the preliminary task, the colour is consistent, and also due to it
being black, hints a sense of maturity required in order to purchase this magazine, hence the
target audience being adults.
The layout used: opposed to the preliminary task, the layout is much neater. It isn’t all over the
place, like the preliminary task’s one. It seems childish, as children aren’t as neat/ organised as
adults are; mine is for adults.
The cover lines used: opposed to the preliminary task, there is greater detail within the cover
lines opposed to just one word. It gives greater detail of the magazines content. Also, it holds
greater purpose, as with conventions too.
The content on the page: opposed to the preliminary task, there’s more information on the
page, which is ideal in order to attract and inform the user greater, giving them greater detail.
The colouring and brightening: opposed to the preliminary task, I have adjusted the brightness
in order to symbolise of happiness and brightness in order to attract and inspire the audience.
The size of text, as with rotation: opposed to the preliminary task, the text is straight; also in
line horizontally with text below and above. No text is rotated, due to it conveying immaturity.
The mastheads font: opposed to the preliminary task, the font has uniqueness. It also doesn’t
look as tacky, due to the outline glowing. Also, the font isn’t a visual cliché, as it’s used so much.
On average, this piece of
work took around 1-2 hours
to fully complete.
On average, this piece of
work took around 12-14
hours to fully complete.