A photographer summarizes feedback from a photo shoot of artist Amy Kathryn for a magazine cover. In mid-shots, Amy's eyes were closed or unfocused, so readers had trouble connecting with her. A close-up attracted attention but a mid-shot works better for a cover. The photographer's favorite photo has Amy looking directly at viewers, though barely smiling. After editing to remove distracting backgrounds, test audiences felt a blank background maintained professionalism needed for the magazine cover.

1. Photo shoot
Amy Kathryn
I have included the original photo
and slightly edited photo of each

2. I like that the fact that it is a mid shot as it shows just enough of her for a reader to
feel connected to the magazine and as if they are in the flesh.

3. I think a mid shot is best suited for a magazine front cover after looking at a variety of
different magazines. I also think that it would be hard for a reader to connect with the
artist due to the fact that her eyes are shut.

4. I don not think this photograph will work well because she seems unfocused, which
would mean that it would be harder for a reader to engage completely and connect
with the artist due to the fact that her eyes do not look as if she is looking at you.

5. This photograph has been taken from a high angle, from a readers point of view it is
good as it gives a reader more power...which could possibly lead to a reader
purchasing a magazine as they feel in control

6. I like the fact that it is a close up as having her whole face covering the whole
area, attracts your attention quickly. On the other hand, i think that a mid shot works
better for a magazine front cover.

7. This is my favourite photograph from the photo shoot. Her eyes seem as if she is
directly looking at you and it seems very professional even though she is barely
smiling.

8. I have edited my favourite photograph to
experiment with the variety of things i can
do to make it more suitable for my
magazine.

10. Review of photo shoot and group
discussion
Overall I am happy with the photographs I have taken, I have a variety to choose from
and all, I think link to my indie/mainstream image for my front cover of my music
magazine.
In my planning for the organisation of my location for this photo shoot, I stated that I
wanted to photograph Amy in an environment that reflected her and her music.
To see if my target audience agreed with my idea I conducted a group discussion
consisting of 20 17-24 year olds-my target audience; too see whether they liked
the idea. Every single person said it was a good idea as it would create a larger
connection between the reader and the artist. Yet they also agreed that they
wanted to purchase a magazine that was professional, so possibly my idea
wouldn't work.
I showed them the photos from my photo shoot and we decided
that it was
more important to maintain a professional image therefore a
blank background was more suitable, yet my idea may work with
certain artists/bands and certain environments.
Therefore I am gong to going to use Photoshop so create a more professional look and
take out the “door”.

11. This is my final photograph for my front cover of my magazine