The document discusses photography research focused on conveying genre through aspects like body language, lighting, facial expressions and location. It analyzes four images of musical bands, noting how elements like central framing, costumes, eyeline and background signify meaning. The lead singer is usually framed as the focus. Locations and poses also aim to represent the genre and appeal to readers. Overall, the research influenced the plan to photograph models for the cover and spread representing stereotypical rock band imagery through poses, costumes and makeup.

1. Photography Research

2. I aim to gain inspiration from musical photography in terms of: body language, shot distance, lighting, facial expression, angle and eye line. As all of these aspects work in unison to convey meaning and act as a signifier of the particular genre I am looking at. (Rock/Indie) Therefore, my aim is to deconstruct four images which will then give me inspiration for my ideas for my final product.

3. Medium shot. The lead singer is centrally framed and is dominating the foreground. This connotes her power within the band. It also shows that she is in the limelight much more than the male members. The costume choice signifies a “Good and Evil” theme, with the male members wearing black, and the female dressed in white. The costume choice for the female connotes that she is pure, innocent and Angelic, which contradicts the traditional stereotypical aspects of a “Rock Chick”. The spiritual references suggest that she is the “God” of the band and takes responsibility in everything they do. Eyeline match is used to address the reader and make the reader feel as though the article has been personally designed for them. The location of the photo conveys two different meanings: The dark sky in the winter forest suggests that the band edge themselves away from mainstream music. The location also connotes the style of music the band produce. Therefore it suggests that the music produced is dark and tackles real life issues unlike what mainstream artists produced. This is reinforced through the dark sky which suggests that we are living in a world full of evil and that reality is nothing like the “Utopian society” which mainstream artists would generally prefer. Therefore the location choice signifies the genre of music. Very likely to appear in a Double Page Spread.

4. Medium Shot. The lead singer is positioned higher than the rest of the band members, which suggests that he gets the most media attention. The fact he is holding a gun and is pointing it at his fellow band members, suggests that he dominates the band and views his music as a serious profession, it is his life. There has been no attempt to address the reader with the use of eyeline levels through the rule of thirds. The shot is slightly low angled which suggests that the reader will look up and aspire to be like the band. All band members are dressed in the same plain looking clothing which suggests, that the “Rock Star” life they live is not “Sex Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll” as people make it out to be. It is in fact very repetitive and dull which is reinforced through the location choice which is a house with very old fashioned décor. Likely to appear in a Double Page Spread.

5. Longshot Photo has been taken in a studio using a three point light set up. Lead singer centrally framed, dominating the foreground. This signifies that she is the main member of the band and receives the most media attention. The costume choice constructs a representation of a stereotypical rock band. The males are similarly dressed. Eyeline is matched through the rule of Thirds, this makes the reader feel personal with the band, this then will encourage the reader to purchase the magazine as they feel as though it has been created for themselves and only for themselves. The facial expression of the lead singer connotes that she is: michevious; has fun and doesn’t take herself seriously. These are the traditional aspects of a rock band. Likely to appear on a Front Cover or Double Page Spread. The shot is low angled which suggests that people look up to and aspire to be like the band.

6. Medium Shot. Lead singer dominates the foreground signifying that he is the most important member of the band and receives the most Media Attention. The costume choice constructs a representation of a traditional rock band. Their appearance works in unison with this, too. Eyeline match through the rule of thirds is used and the lead singer is pointing. This infers that he is pointing to make the reader purchase the magazine in a demanding way. The pose is almost mocking the infamous “Lord Kitchener wants you poster” which was designed for the same affect. Likely to appear on a front cover.

7. Other Inspirational Poses (Front Cover)

8. Other Inspirational Poses (DPS)

9. Findings and Conclusions I have found that most musical photography generally follows the same pattern. For example, the singer is generally always centrally framed and dominating the foreground. My Research has influenced me in the following ways: For my front cover I will take a photo of my model(s) in a studio and ensure their costume and make up represents the stereotypical aspects of a Rock band For my double page spread I will take photos of my Model(s) at a location shot and ensure that the singer is dominating the foreground, again I will make sure their costume and make up represents the stereotypical aspect of a Rock band. As having models who fit the rock band criteria make it more likely for the reader to purchase the magazine as they can identify themselves with the genre of the magazine by looking at the model.