Contents development

Here is an image of the first draft of my contents page. I like the blocks of colour which divide the page up, a section for features and another for every month. I want to keep the page simple and effective however I am not sure which direction to head towards with this. Whether to use more images or change the colour scheme.

How I edited my photos

Double Page Spread

Here is an updated image of my double page spread. I decided to go against typical magazine conventions and not use columns. I think this looks really good because it makes the piece look quirky and might even attract more readers because it different from the traditional article. To improve this I may include a quote in bigger font and I also need to change the magazine title in the top left corner so it matches the font on the front cover. I will also need to add page numbers.

Draft for double page spread

Here is a layout draft for my article page, although it is very simple, I think it will look really effective and appealing to the eye. Any thoughts on how I could improve it?

Edited Photographs

Here are some photographs which I have edited for my magazine from the photoshoot. To do so I used Adobe Photoshop and also Corel Pain Shop Pro. Although I feel the images are much improved, they are still not completely ready to be used in my magazine.

1) When editing this photograph I tried experimenting with unusual effects. I then came up with this one which has created a cartoon look. However I chose to leave th model out of the edit so that he remained 'normal'. I think this photo would best suit a pull out poster or an album cover with a name such as "Living in a cartoon world". I quite like this edit because it is quirky and different however not appropiate for my font cover, unless it was explained more.

2) For this photo I simply decreased the saturation. I really like this effect because it makes the image look mysterious and moody without making it look too dark. In addition the effect also contrasts with the model's facial expression which keeps the mood light and not too depressing. To improve this image however, I might try leaving the guitar out so that it remains bright and is more of a point of focus. If this image was cropped I think it would suit a front cover page, however the piece would be far more effective if the model was looking directly at the lens. This is because he looks distracted, on the other hand it creates a sense of mystery as the reader wonders what he is looking at. To conclude I might use this photo for my double page spread.

3)With this image I simply increased both the contrast and the brightness. I really don't like this effect because it makes the photo look tacky and of a poor quality. To improve this I may try decreasing the saturation like the previous image.

4) I really like this image because of the lght dancing across the guitar. I think the model's facial expression looks lively and fun. I felt that this image didn't really require much editing therefore I simply decreased the saturation and erased the background. I think this looks effective as though the photo was taken in a studio, however the crop looks too sharp and out of place. To improve this I will need to soften the edges. I think this image is perfect for a front cover photograph.

5) With this image I again used the same tools as before. I think this photograph is perfect for my double page spread because there is a lot of negative space in the right hand side of the photo which I could use fit the article in. It will also look as though the model is looking at the article too.

6) This again is another of my favourites. I used the same edit tools however with this photo I tried decreasing the saturation a lot more than the previous images. I think this works well because it is decreased enough to make the image look mysterious and moody yet light enough so that the dress is still red. I think this image would be good as a smaller photo on my double page spread because it shows the artist in action.

Photographs

Here are a few of the unedited photos from the photoshoot. I will not using all of these images however I have chosen the best ones to show and get feedback on. For my final magazine these photos will most likely have the background blurred or faded so that the person is in focus.

1) I really like this photo because the the background is very simplistic. Most of it is made up of sky however there is some detail at the bottom of hills. This image will most likely be used for a poster rather than a front cover image. I quite like the pose the model has as it gives the impression that the reader is looking up at the model. On the other hand I don't think I will be using this photograph for my final piece because the model's facial expression would appeal more to a younger audience rather than a mature reader. However I like that the model is looking directly at the camera because it is more intimate and the reader forms a connection with the model. The clothing that the model is wearing is quite casual. He is alone which also suggests he could be a solo artist or the lead singer of a band.

2) The next photo is a bit more pun-rock because the model is photographed holding a guitar. The colour of the guitar is stereotypically a girl's colour however this suggests that the artist is fun and has a sense of humour. I like the background because is is very simple and there are no other distractions from the main point of focus. On the other hand the model isn't looking directly at the camera so I definitely will not be using this for my front cover. If I were to include the image, it would most likely be more suited as a pull out poster or a small image on the contents page. The image is quite dark so it would need editing to make it a bit more brighter.

3) Again in this image, the model isn't looking directly at the camera so it would not be appropriate as a front cover image. This image shows the artist is action as he plays his guitar, as demonstrated with the blurred hand. If I was to use this photo I think I would experiment with the 'caution' sign next to him by maybe making it a feature of the photograph. I am not very keen on this photograph purely because of the position the model is standing in. He also looks too serious.

4) This photograph shows my next model looking out of the window. I am not sure why the props were necessary however I think it creates a romantic atmosphere as the lights form a heart. This image could entice the reader into reading the article about the artist because the photo shows a more emotional side to the artist. In addition this hints that the reader might find out about the artist's personal life. The model is wearing a red dress which suggests there is a passion for her music. Her facial expression is also quite serious and she is looking away from the camera so this photo won't be appropriate for a front cover. I think the lighting is effective because it creates a warm atmosphere and the natural sunlight lights up the model's arm and face.

5) In this photograph we see the model's personality. It is a very natural image as she is laughing which shows she has a sense of humour. This also suggests that there is a fun side to her music. The guitar in the image also shows that the artist plays her own instrument. Again this photo isn't suitable for a front page image, however I might consider using it for my double page spread. I like how she isn't looking at the camera because is shows a shy side of the artist and also that she wants to focus on performing the guitar.

6) This photograph is very suitable for my front page image as the model is looking directly at the camera. I also like how the guitar is positioned in front of her face which shows a quirky side of the model and also creates an air of mystery. Including part of the instrument shows that she plays the guitar and the close up also reveals more detail in the instrument. I don't think this image will require much editing as the background hasn't got much detail in it. However I might try lightening the photo as it looks quite dark onscreen.