At the beginning of this academic year, we start our AS course, however, before we carried on through the course, we needed to know the ground basis of studying Media. In the second week of media, we learnt about how to analyse images in greater depth. We learnt about the mise-en-scene. Mise-en-scene is a French terminology for ‘putting on stage’. This term refers to everything that is in the scene. We also learnt about two useful words, Denotation and connotation. Denotation refers to the literal meaning of a word or image- what the audience can visually see. Connotation refers to the association that are connected to a certain word- what the denotation represents.

This image is a point of view, long shot which indicates the girl is the main focus of the image. The denotation of this image is a girl jumping in the foreground, in a natural environment, in a green area, with the blue sky and dark green trees in the background. The connotations of this image are that the girl is very cheerful. This is referenced by the body language, as she is jumping in the air. Her costume, dungarees and the primary colours in this image symbolize her age and her youthful characteristics. The clouds in the blue sky links to the girls costume and so we can relate with the character and the situation. The background, the green grass, the blue sky and the dark green trees reflect a natural and tranquil mood. This image has been manipulated by being edited with natural photo filters as the effect of this makes the photo bolder and more valuable.

Analysing images

Colour filtering

The aim of this lesson was to become familiar with the basic tools in Photoshop. In this lesson we focused on colour filtering. As you can see from these two images, colour filtering adds a colour base to the image. I experimented with this tool in Adobe Photoshop. I took a sample photo of students outside St Marylebone School. I did this on Photoshop by duplicating the photo, in case I made an error and I needed a back up. I

created a new layer, where I used different colour paint tool, which I selected from the colour palette. I decided to do a rainbow effect so I used the colours: red, blue, green, purple and yellow. At this point, the paint tool covered the original photo, therefore, to blend the colour with the image, I went on the layer toolbox on the right hand side, and I changed the blending mode to soft light. This meant that when we colour it in using the paint tool, the image is still visible through the colours.

This tool can be useful for my magazine as I will have a set colour scheme, therefore, I can use colour filtering so my scheme colour and main photo correspond with each other. This tool makes the image much more interesting to the viewer and attracts a wider audience.

Adobe Photoshop basics

Editing and enhancing

Our focus on this lesson was editing and enhancing an image on Adobe Photoshop, specifically concentrating on the cloning and eraser tool. I used this sample image of a close up of a woman’s face. As you may be able to see, her features are rough and unedited. The aim of this experiment was to remove her blemishes and soothe her face. Firstly, open this image on Photoshop and I duplicated this layer, in case I made any errors whilst editing. I zoomed into her face and I selected the spot healing tool and placed the tool over her blemishes and spots. Her blemishes and spots are replaced with the surrounded background which blends the skin together.

Then, I selected filter on the top tool bar and selected gausaim blur. I had to be careful using this tool, as I didn’t want to blur the image too much, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to see her features. Therefore, I adjusted the settings and used blur 1.0. The gausaim blur blend the image to smoothen the face. The next step was to erase the eyes, lips, nose ring and earring from the new layer, so that it appears much sharper. This makes the image more realistic and professional. This was the basic layer completed. I decided to change the colour of her eyes and hair. A similar technique is used to change the colour of her eyes, like we used the colour filtering effect. A created a new layer and I selected the brush tool. I chose the colour which I wanted to use and I had to adjust the brush to the size of her pupil. Once I selected the colour and size, I clicked the brush over her eyes. However, this tends to cover her eyelashes so I erased the brush so I was able to see her eyelashes. I changed the blending mode to soft light and I adjusted the opacity to make the eyes look realistic and transparent. In order to change her hair colour I create an adjustment layer and selected on hue/saturation layer. I grouped this layer with the previous layers and selected the tick box which read colourize. I adjusted the hue and saturation bar to get the right colour.

Adobe Photoshop basics

Fonts and their usages

Sans serif is a typeface that does not have the small features

called ‘serifs’ at the end of strokes. An example is this font

called Gill Sans Mt. A sans serif font is suitable for writing

essays and annotations. Sans serif fonts are good for bold

headings and master-heads. This typeface can be light or

heavy, depending on the emphasis of the text.

A serif font is a type of font with short, light lines or curves called

serifs projecting from the top or bottom of a main stroke of a letter.

Serif typefaces are used for body text because it is more legible than

sans-serif fonts. Serif fonts give a professional finish to a magazine.

An example of a serif font is this current font, called Cambria.

Script typefaces are based upon the varied and often fluid stroke

created by handwriting. This font is called Monotype Corsiva which is

an example of a script typeface. Script typefaces add elegance to the

product, for example, script fonts are often used to create a sense of

luxury on product packaging. However, they are unclear when the font

size is small. Therefore, script typefaces are appropriate for short and

big phrases or words.

Grunge font refers to eroded font. For example, Hurry Up is a grunge font as this typeface is neither serif nor a sans serif font. Users use a grunge font to advertise a particular subject. Grunge fonts can also be used depending on the theme and content of the magazine, for example, a grunge typeface would work well with a music magazine.

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In this lesson we were asked to compare two school magazines. I chose these two magazines because both magazines contrast each other which makes it an interesting analysis. This magazine is has a formal layout which addresses that the school is posh and well established. The mood translated in this shot is tranquil and soothing. The image used on the front cover of this magazine is a point of view long camera shot. A point of view shot shows a view from the subjects’ perspective, therefore we can seduce that the subject are the parent or guardian of the pupils at this school. The colours used in this shot relate to the colours of the school logo which creates an impact as the page design complements one another. This image has been edited, and the brightness has been adjusted so the logo and the master-head stand out from the page. The effect of this is that users are attracted to the magazine. All the text has been

aligned to the centre, so as the eyes flows the ‘C’ or ‘S’ shape on the page, the eyes are naturally drawn to the name and logo of the school, which is their first impression. The text ‘royal’ is bigger in size than the rest of the text, this is significant as ‘royal’ relates to the royal family, who are posh. The colours blue and red symbolise wealth, and these colours have been tinted in the image. The font used is Serif which communicates that this magazine is formal and intellectual. However, my magazine will be informal as the target audience is different. The majority of students will choose a magazine which is vibrant and informal which will grab their attention.

The second magazine I chose, contrasted the first one I selected. This magazine is informal and therefore attracts youths. The shot used to capture this frame is a low angle close up camera shot. A low angle shot is a camera angle that looks up at a subject or an object. This can be used to create an impression of higher status and authority. Specifically in this shot, we can suggest that students want their voices to be heard. Therefore, this shot attracts the users because being students; we are portrayed as dominant and intimidating. The importance of using a sepia effect on the image suggests a flashback or past memory which is being reflected on. The sepia tone creates a warm, antique feeling which will attracts users because sepia or black and white images call a larger voice than colour images. In addition, the white master-head is bold and stands out. The kickers in this magazine are aimed at different audiences. For example, the kicker ‘got the holy

spirit’ will aim at religious people, however, the title is unusual, therefore this addresses to a wider audience. On the other hand, the kicker, ‘music review’, will attract musicians and those who are interested din the music industry. The date line is written on the top right hand corner as this is the standard formatting in most magazines. The reason for this is that the eyes start from the right hand corner and flows down in a ‘C’ shape and stop in the bottom right hand corner. Therefore, the date is crucial as the users will want the latest issue. The overall design and layout of this front cover is flowing and appeals to a greater audience.

Comparing school magazines

Agency name Sweet sixteen

Model Debbie Onyemelukwe Hattie Upton-Dance Tibyaan Nassir Penny Nakan

Camera height/angle/distance

Low angle shot Long shot Eye line point of view

Location St Marylebone school for girls Taken outside school building, in local park

Lighting Natural lighting (sunlight)

Mise-en-scene (inc. Props, costume)

Book/folder Normal/casual costume Results paper

Attempted connotation Studying hard concludes to good grades, especially in a-level where a lot of work is necessary. There are different resources which students can refer to strengthen their knowledge. This is why I have used books and folders in my photo-shoot- to communicate this idea indirectly to my target audience. the final connotation which I would like to express is don’t always think about appearance and ‘coolness’ – rather focus on studying which will take you further in life, rather than following the ‘flow’ of the current generation.

Planned denotation Four students jumping in the air with their results paper or folder/book. In the background there is the natural setting of the green trees and to the left alignment of the photo-shoot there is a building which suggests there is a school or some type of teaching facility.

Contingency (model absence/weather)

If the weather is poor, I will use an indoor location, inside school, preferably in the school hall, as it is more spacious and free. In case of model absence, I will continue with my photo shoot with three students or use my substitute model, Jessica Murphy.

Thinking points Rule of thirds, challenging/abiding conventions.

Photo-shoot planning

Planning the front cover image

In this lesson, I took multiple photos for my school magazine front cover. My original idea was to have a shot of four students jumping in the air with their GCSE results. However, I realised that if my school magazine will be portrait, this frame shot would not work. So instead I decided to stick with two students in my shot. As you can see in my first shootout, the frame is not interesting and it does not attract to a wide audience. Furthermore, if I was to place that image in a magazine, I would not be able to add an attractive layout as the focus is in the middle of the shot. Therefore I considered a shot

which would appeal and of which the focus point is right aligned. I decided to have two students jumping in the, one with a book and the other with her results. Is image is more effective as I have chosen a better scenery. This shot is a high angle long shot. The denotations of this image are two students jumping in the air with books and results on the road, near a park and school. The connotation of this if you study hard then good results are waiting. Also, the book symbolises that you need access to different resources to help you gain more knowledge. I felt that this task was rather successful, however, there were some aspects which I intend to change in the future. Next time, I would consider the costume, for example if the girls wore uniform or smart clothing, the

connotation would be spread stronger and the image would be bolder. However, I like the scenery as the background is walking into the distance.

Photo-shoot

Sweet Sixteen

Make your stand

One step higher

Are you tired

After passing through

Want your voice to be heard?

the summer exams, are you struggling to cope

with a-level life?

of always listening

to teacher babble? Well now is your

chance to seek

sweet revenge

Welcome to my October 2010

MOCK UP

School magazine mock up

MASTERHEAD

EXPLANTORY TEXT

LEFT THIRD ALIGNED MAIN COVER LINE

DATE LINE

KICKER

EXPLANTORY TEXT

KICKER

When I create my magazine cover, I will use one font only but I will use different sizes and formats with the font to keep the audience engaged. The master-head will be bold and will be size 41. I do not want it to be really big otherwise it will cover the main picture. However, I need to ensure that the master-head sticks out so the users know what magazine they are purchasing. The date-line will be in the top right hand side, when I did my research most magazine use the standard format, therefore, if I use it, it will make my work look professional. I will have two kickers. ‘Make your stand’ will be size 16. ‘Your’ is bold and underlined because it addresses and engages the audience. Therefore, this will attract them to read my magazine. Underneath the kicker I have written an explanatory text. I have briefly summarized what the article will be about. I have used a rhetorical question to grab the attention of the user so they purchase this magazine. This will be size 11. My second kicker is ‘one step higher’. I have used an unusual kicker to attract my target audience. I have underlined ‘one’ because I want to reassure students not to stress. The size of this kicker will be size 20 and the explanatory text will be size 11. Again, I have used a rhetorical question to address students. I have used a logical question which applies to all students, regardless of age, religion or sex. My main cover line will be size 20 because it needs to stand out. I have highlighted ‘your’ to communicate to students so I can make the text believable. The main picture, in the background, will be black and white. However, the main focus is on the two students in the foreground. Therefore, I will make them stand out by having colour on the focus point. I have chosen Lucida Console as my main font because it is an interesting typeface which not many people would use, therefore this will make my magazine unique. I have used code of convention such as the left alignment and the classical ‘C’ shape eye flow technique. This will make my magazine successful and appealing to my target audience.

Before I began to edit my photograph on Photoshop, I duplicated the layer, so I had a back-up in case I made any errors. By having a back-up, this saves me time from redoing all the edits on the photo, therefore, this saves time and work. I saved my work regularly, to avoid having to waste time on lost work. I changed the page orientation to A4, as this will be the size of my magazine, as it is easy to carry around and the size will be suitable for the users. I started editing my duplicate layer by using

the brush tool. This tool is used to paint on the photo which has been selected, on the chosen layer. This tool can be used to fill in a layer with a colour chosen from the palette or it can be used to paint brush strokes with

different colours which have to select individually from the paint palette. I used the paint palette to select what I colour I wanted to use, I clicked on set foreground colour and I selected white. I then had to choose to select which type of paint brush I wanted to use- each brush had a different technique. As I wanted a normal brush, I chose to use the blending brush. And I changed the settings so I had a big brush so the strokes were big as this was a quick method. I decided to use this tool instead of the paint bucket because I was able to control where the white paint went on the image. Therefore, I

had control over the image. This tool is effective because there are different dynamics which can be applied and for different purposes, therefore it is convenient for everyone, and it can be used for any purpose. In the bottom right hand corner, there is a box where you can edit the layers. I selected on the layer which I was currently using and I changed the blending modes to see a preview of how my photo

would look like with those effects. I decided to use saturation. This turned my image from colour to black and white. However, I changed the opacity so that the photo wasn’t fully black and white, as I wanted a hint of colour to attract my target audience. I used the eraser tool to erase the two girls jumping in the foreground. I chose to do this effect because it would bring more focus to the foreground which will appeal to the audience and it will bring emphasis to my magazine.

Photoshop

This tool is appropriate because it erases the areas which are unwanted on the selected layer. This tool is significant and I used it because I could change the size of the eraser and I could select different dynamics. For this particular image, I used the blending eraser because I wanted the colour to blend into the background rather than using the block eraser which will mark a line around the areas I have erased. Therefore, this tool creates an impact on

my production, because it makes my magazine cover look more professional and appealing for my target audience. I have finished editing my background image, so the next stage was to add the text for my magazine. The text indicates and represents the genre and content of the magazine. These are illustrated by the code of conventions, such as the master head, kickers and explanatory text. The add text to my front cover of my magazine, I used the horizontal

type tool. I created a new layer, as if I wanted to move the text around, I wouldn’t move the previous layer as well. I clicked on where I wanted the text to be positioned and I started to type my master head- the name of my magazine.

I highlighted the text so I could change the formatting of the text. This toolbar includes all the font facilities I need. This is useful as I will remember to check all these settings before I carry on creating my magazine front cover. I changed the font to Lucida Console as shown in my mock up which I created to plan my magazine. I changed the font size and I made the typeface bold so it was bolder. This made it easier to read and understand. I used the eyedropper tool to select the shade of pink I wanted. This tool is significant as it allows the user to select a particular colour which exists on the image chosen. I used this tool by highlighting the text and using the eyedropper tool to find the colour I wanted from my background layer. I selected the shade of pink I wanted from the pink folder shown in the girls’ hand. I decided to use this tool because I wanted the colours to match; therefore the master head colour complements the pink folder.

Photoshop

First draft

This is the first draft of my school magazine. I created my magazine with referral to my mock up plan. I got feedback from my peers to see what I could improve to make my school magazine more appealing and professional. I received both positive and negative criticism. The feedback I received from my test buddy was significant as it helped me make my magazine more efficient. And it also helped me acknowledge was my target audience are attracted by, so I can appeal to my target audience.

Improvements:

1. Avoid the text covering the focal point in the background. 2. Add hint of colour to trees to make the photograph realistic 3. Make kicker size bigger than explanatory text 4. Make the text clearer and more visible 5. Limit the colour usage

Positives:

1. The focal point of the image is appealing 2. There is good eye flow 3. Greyscale effect is interesting and attracts a wide audience 4. Photograph relates to master-head, which reflects genre

I have abided by the code of convention in comparison to my first draft. I have undertaken the criticism given by my test buddy and I have changed my magazine according to what my target audience may prefer. My texts are aligned on the left margin and I have followed the eye flow ‘C’ shape to make it easier for users to follow. I have limited the colours to pink and yellow. I have also added a date and issue number to make my magazine front cover look more professional. I rearranged the text so the text did not cover the image, I also changed the size of the textboxes, to make it appropriate for a school magazine.

Final magazine front cover

Model Shot type/angle/ distance

Macro/ Flash and Lighting

Background Positioning on TOC

Details of editing

Hattie Upton-Dance, Debbie Onyemelukwe, Tibyaan Nassir, Penny Nakan, Jessica Murphy

Low angle, long shot

Outdoors, therefore there will be natural lighting. However, if outdoors is not possible or if the weather is bad, I will do my photo-shoot inside school at the reception area. I will then use flash to add to give the same effect.

The location will be outside of the school gates, which will read ‘St Marylebone School’ on the front of the school building. A group of students will be socialising. No essential props are needed; however, the costume must be appropriate and relevant for school life.

Table of content feature article for ‘one step higher’ as a-levels is an important and rapid step from lower school, therefore students meet new people and socialising is a skill which has to be improved in order to learn for coming years and stages in life. Therefore, this photo-shoot is relevant for this article which will be position in the left column.

I will add an effect to the photograph by changing the blending mode.

Hattie Upton-Dance, Tibyaan Nassir

Median, over the shoulder shot

I will not be using artificial lighting for this photograph. Lighting will come from the window, natural sunlight. If flash is necessary, ensure camera is at least 1.5 metres away from shot, to avoid over exposure

The location will be inside of school, in the corridors where there are tables and lockers. This sets a school atmosphere. Two students will be sat at a table studying. Props will include water bottle, books, paper, glasses and stationery. Camera shot will be taken from shoulder of one of the students. There will be no eye contact with the camera, to make the shot seem realistic.

Table of content feature article about ‘one step higher’ which is an article which gives advice for students who have started a-levels. Position article on left column.

Photograph will be faded using Gaussian blur, and I will use the erase tool to add focal effect on the student studying. Add a calm mood to the photograph using colour effect.

Additional photo-shoot for TOC

Agency name: Sweet Sixteen

Shoot Date: 11/10/10

Model Shot type/angle/ distance

Macro/ Flash and Lighting

Background Positioning on TOC

Details of editing

Tibyaan Nassir, Debbie Onyemelukwe, Penny Nakan

High angle, long shot

Indoors, flash will be necessary, however I will need to ensure camera is at least 1.5 metres away from shot, to avoid over exposure

The location will be indoors. Students will stand in a circle and they will be holding hands and stretching their hand in the circle. The background will be simple. A high angle shot will be taken so the floor will only by visible. No props are needed

Table of content feature article for ‘make your stand’. Positioned on left column.

I will add colour effect to this Photoshop to enhance the image.

Tibyaan Nassir

Point of view, long shot

Indoors therefore, I will need flash, however I need to ensure the camera is 1.5 metres away from the shot to prevent over exposure

Location will be in the school atmosphere, in the building. Preferably leaning against a right painted wall with furniture if possible. Student will stand with a smile and holding her thumbs up. Possible props could included glasses if possible otherwise not essential.

Table of content, image positioned on the right alignment of the page.

Enhance the image so attention is drawn on the vibrant colour. Adjust brightness and shadows.

Hattie Upton-Dance

High angle shot

Indoors, in a classroom with natural sunlight coming from the windows

In a classroom, with desks, chairs, whiteboard etc, student mimicking teachers. Student will be teaching and sitting at desk. Props include glasses and smart clothing.

Photo elated to article ‘make your stand’. Positioned on the left column, with photo in to the right.

Edited in Photoshop, specific editing not specified yet.

Additional photo-shoot for TOC

Agency name: Sweet Sixteen

Shoot Date: 11/10/10

My photo shoot did not go according to what I had planned as I had to tackle against illness. Therefore, I had to use the substitute plan of taking photos of groups of students in different positions. As this was a last minute plan which I had to amend, I chose to use students in a group, as I couldn’t rely on the models I intended to use, due to time management. I took numerous photos when I saw different groups of students, these photographs were not planned. However, the outcome was quite successful.

Selecting photos for my TOC

Rejected photos

I will not use this photo because it is blurred, therefore my target audience will not be able to relate to the illustrations, which will disinterest users and my table of content page will look unprofessional and I will not meet the requirements of my target audience.

I rejected this photo which I took of students socialising because the image was very dark and I did not like the composition as I thought this wouldn’t appeal to my audience. I have also angled the camera to high which makes assess the mise-en-scene.

These are the photos I will use for my table of contents page

I chose this image because it represents my theme of studying. Therefore I will use this in my TOC as it will encourage users that when it comes to education, many people stay focused.

I chose this image because it represents a community and relates to my kickers on the front page. It also clarifies that genre of this magazine, as the image states the school name.

I chose this image as I will edit the background so it blends in. This is good for illustration as it shows that this magazine is for students.

This is my final image I selected as it is clear and full of vibrant colours which will be attractive. It also shows people socialising which will be relevant for my articles.

Introducing line

Master-head

Image 1

Image 2

Image 4 Image 3

Page numbers

Page numbers

Page numbers

Editorial pillar

Editorial pillar

Editorial pillar

The introducing line will be ‘welcome to my’ as this will be the same as my front cover, therefore will be a relation with the TOC and front page. I will use the same font, Lucida console and colour, yellow however I will change the size of the font to 32 so it stand out and appeals to my audience.

The master-head will be the same colour so name of the agency can be well recognized. Therefore the colour of the font will be pink and the size of the text will be 52 so the agency name strikes on the page.

Editorial pillar indicate more information about the kickers on the front page. This gives the users a brief summary of what they will expect from the articles. I will keep the editorial pillars the same as my front cover. I will use the font Lucida Console, size 16. The text will be identical the front cover.

These images will be edited on Photoshop, using the cookie cutter. I will use the photos I have selected for my TOC and cut a puzzle shape. This will make my layout more interesting and appealing, which will attract my target audience.

I will use page numbers to indicate the pages which the article will be written on. This will make it efficient for the users to refer to. The page numbers will be big and bold and I will use the colour pink to make the page numbers attract the user’s eyes.

Image for will be cut using the cookie cutter in a shape of a semi circle. I will edit the image to there is a white background so the image blends into the background.

MOCK UP

I used Photoshop to create my table of contents. I have used similar tools which I used to create my front cover of my magazine. I created a new A4 document which I will work on to create my table of contents page. I inserted this image into Photoshop where I enlarged the image to get the right size. I then selected the

eraser tool which is a tool to delete areas of a picture manually. I used this tool to remove the background, so I had people walking. I removed the background because I wanted the image to blend with the white background which would have the layout more effective. I duplicated this layer so I could work on top of the original image;

therefore if I make any errors, I have a backup which I can refer to. However, I duplicated this image, so I could change the effects of the photograph I took. I will then use the eraser tool to erase the second layer, where I do not want to apply the effect. Therefore, by duplicating the image, I can have the original format of the image below, this will blend the two effects together and it will look professional. I selected the colour white from the paint palette and I used the brush tool to paint over the area of the photo which I wanted the change the effects; I selected a soft brush which enhanced the strokes of the tool. Therefore, this will

avoid obvious signs of editing which would cause an unprofessional look. After I edited my image, I used the custom shape tool to neaten up the edges on my current image. I selected an oval shape. I manually set the size which I wanted; this was done by clicked down on the mouse and moving the cursor over the shape until I got the right size. This automatically cut the image into the shape I selected. This is an useful tool as it neatens up the edges and it also adds different shapes to images to make the layout more interesting.

Using Photoshop for my TOC

I used the horizontal type tool to add text to my table of contents page. I used this tool to add my editor pillars, the master-head and the placements. I referred back to my magazine front

cover where I used the same style and formatting. This included the font and colour of my text. The font I will use for my magazine is Lucida Console. This is the standard font which I have used for my magazine front cover. I will also follow the theme colours of yellow, pink and black.

Using Photoshop for my TOC