Research and Planning: Pose Research. (Extra Post.)

What I've noticed from many other rock magazines such as Kerrang, are that the artists poses are much more open in comparison to other magazine covers. They seem to appear intimidating and edgy to some extent, and are very confident with themselves, in terms of their body language.

In a way, I've noticed that the lead singers/most significant band members have a slight high angle shot, which makes their appearance seem much more ‘in your face’. It doesn't seem subtle, friendly or even relaxed. Instead, it seems very energetic and even threatening, and that is what is going to inspire how I shoot photos of my models to match this theme.

The lead singers and most important members of a group are always presented closest to the camera, which is what I'll do in the photoshoot for my duo group. There's also much more open body language here, too. The arms are by the sides, presenting the artists as outgoing and easy to approach, and their expressions even look mischievous to some degree.

Research and Planning: Double Spread Inspiration. (Extra post).

I looked into a couple of different sets of questions to ask a celebrity-like figure, and these were my favourite results. Although the top set is much stronger than the bottom set, I could definitely use these questions as a springboard when making any changes to the questions I have on my double page spread. I particularly like the questions:

- Who inspired you ... etc. ?

- How did you get discovered?

- Who would you be ... famous?

- Favourite childhood memory?

- Most embarrassing moment?

Although some of these questions sound more like they come from a pop magazine, I could alter the bodies of the questions to appeal to my genre of magazine if needed.

Research and Planning: Social Networking. (1)

I asked two of my friends to look at my blog, and they both liked it. One commented on the masthead style and how they liked the design, so this'll influence me to keep it the same. The other thought my magazine production and blog was good in general, so I will keep to my theme from that and make sure my progress and efforts are consistent.

Research and Planning: Shot List.

My handwriting is terrible, so... 

1. Medium close-up, I'll use a medium close-up of one of my models on my magazine cover.

2. Long shot, I will use a longshot of my model in my contents page.

3. Two shot mid-shot, I'll use this for a picture of two of my models in my contents page.

4. Mid-shot, For my double page spread, I will use a large mid-shot. (On one side.)

5. Long shot, this will be on my double page spread.

6. Medium close-up, this will also be on my double page spread.

The reason I have chosen these, is because my magazine should consist of a variety of photos, so the pictures don't feel repetitive, similar or unprofessional. 

Research and Planning: Plan for the Weeks.

Plan for the Week: (30/11/15 - 06/12/15).
Monday and Tuesday: No Media lesson, continue to add extra posts. (See additional list on blog for inspiration.), take photos of different environments and settings, redraft pages.
Wednesday: Take indoor photos of models. If I have time, look over double spread story.
Thursday: Take outdoor photos of models.
Friday: TV Drama lesson, additional posts done at home.
Saturday: Rest day.
Sunday: Extra outdoor photos.

Plan for the Week: (07/12/15 - 13/12/15).
Monday and Tuesday: No Media lesson, continue to add extra posts. Edit and change other posts to improve, look over photos. Post all model photos and setting photos collected.
Wednesday: Continue with magazine. Begin to layout the contents and double spread page.
Thursday: Continue with pages, cover and double spread page.
Friday: TV Drama lesson, do more posts at home.
Saturday: Rest day.
Sunday: Evaluate model photos, upload progress of magazine, consider any changes for Monday.

Plan for the Week: (14/12/15 - 18/12/15; FINAL WEEK).
Monday and Tuesday: Go over all posts, fit in any last additional posts which could help finishing off the magazine. Behind the scenes post would be good on these days!
Wednesday: Finalise cover and contents page, check for spelling mistakes, last minute changes.
Thursday: Finalise double spread pages, check for spelling mistakes, last minute changes.
Friday: TV Drama lesson, come back at lunch and make the final magazine post.

Research and Planning: Double Spread Story Ideas and Inspiration.

Here is an idea I have for my music magazine double spread. My target audience requested stories and gossip about the artist, so some very heads-on questions about their private life should work to fit the target audience. :


From the very streets of Manchester to performances worldwide – Sam Bailey leaves us inspired by how a simple hobby became an international success overnight. We've seen her take the stages like no other. But now, it's time to dig a little deeper...


If you had to think back to it, what was your most embarrassing moment on tour?
– Oh god, don't even get me started! I've had a few mishaps here and there, but there's definitely a worst! Uh, [laughs] one of our tech guys had some difficulty with starting the track on the opening song. So I was left onstage, in front of thousands, just waiting in silence. I had to improvise small talk for about three minutes! Is there anything more awkward?!

What did you do during your days off?
– I wish I could say something productive, like exercise or paperwork or whatever. But honestly, I love to lounge around! Naps, all of that. [laughs] But I think everybody has those days!

Do you ever take ‘hater’ comments seriously?
– Hah! Not in a million years. I prefer to think about what my fans say to me. You always have to listen to the fans, you know? I took a lot of bad criticism seriously earlier on in my career, but now I've sorta learned to get used to it and always look on the bright side.

Where is your happy place?
– Oh man, there are so many! If I had to choose, I'd probably go for the studio. It's just so homely and cozy in there, and it's where I do my thing! Second best happy place would definitely be onstage. When I perform, it's a feeling like no other.

What's your secret to success?
– Oh, that's a thinker. I suppose I just never stopped doing what I love. When I see opportunities, I take them. I always have. I've always thought about making the right decisions, and doing what's best for my music. I could be out there drinking, smoking or whatever, like a real ‘rockstar’, but that just isn't my thing. [laughs] Be yourself, that's my secret.


Well, there you have it! Alternative Rock artist Sam Bailey speaks out about her secret to success and who she is off the stage! Don't forget to check out her latest chart-topper, ‘Wolfpack’ on iTunes, out now!


I'm considering adding an extra question to the list, but it depends upon how much room is taken up on my first page.

Research and Planning: Weather for Next Week.

This is the weather for next week. Thursday and Friday are going to be the best days to shoot photos outdoors, but due to there being a sunset around four in the afternoon, I'll have to take any outdoor photos early. Two of my models are out of college on the Friday, so I'll have them come in during that time to take outdoor photos, or I may take photos on the following Saturday or Sunday outside.

This is what the weekend looks like for my photos. Clearly, Sunday will be best to take outdoor photos, but they will have to be before sunset at three thirty, which can be done. So on Thursday or Friday next week, I'll shoot my indoor photos. And on the Sunday, I'll take my outdoor photos.