Thursday, 24 November 2011

Magazine choices




































The layout of this magazine makes it look complex as well as being well thought out.
The colour scheme on the other hand is really bright girly colours which most probably only attracts a young female audience.
The shot types are all the same, mainly mid-shots.
. The stars and bubble wrting, make the magazine even more girly and childish.

i like the layout of this magazine as it looks complex and shows a varitey of skills but the colour scheme and starts etc. make it look extremely childish and girly and i dont want my magazine to be childish and girly. So because of this, I will use some ideas of the layout from this magazine but with much more suttle colours, to give it that mature and grown up look.

  • the layout of the masthead and the strapline stay the same in every eddition of the VIBE.
  • the straplines are really blunt and to the point. breif information just letting you know whats inside the magazine.
  • the VIBE masthead is always behind the artists head, this is a on-going thing that VIBE magazine does.
  • the shot types used are always medium or medium to long shots. They never have full body shots and on the rare occassion or special eddiitions they will have close ups.
  • they always have puffs in the front cover that relate to the artist in the photograph.
  • they sexualise women, making them look more attractive and sexy to the reader but not to sexy that only men will want to purchase it and they make men look more casual / american swag type clothing meaning they dont look over dressed but at the same time they dont look underdressed either.
  • the colour scheme are always simple and consistant throughout the magazine.
  • if the artist is more well known there story will take up majority of the magazine which results to less puffs on the front cover, for example,

whereas if the artist is not as well known then more puffs will be on the front cover, for example,


  • The housestyle of the contents page all follow the same housestyle and this is a continuous theme throughtout all VIBE magazine




                       

  • The colour schemes are very simple and basic which keeps with the houstyle and this is consistant throughout the magazines plus the 'V' for VIBE is in the background behind the model. This also follows VIBE's particlar housestyle.
  • The amount of information is limited in the contents page, its not crammed and detailed with lots of different stories within the magazine, only the main stories are exposed within the contents page.
  • Also there is a famous artist as the main image on the contents page, usually the model on the front cover of the magazine.



  • The housestyle of the double page spread's vary depending on the artisit its focused on. The language used in the articles are very informal but not too informal. They give off a friendly welcoming tone throughout the magazine and do a lot of question and response(Q&R) within the double pages spreads.
  • VIBE takes out  a lot of the answers the artists have given within the interview and just include the ain highlights of the interview and they do this throughout different issues of the magazine.
  • VIBE magazien tend to have a full body shot and a medium to long shot type on the double page spreads. It very rare that they have a close up of the artisit.
  • The layout of the text is pretty simple and as it is written in colums and justified it makes the magazien and double page spread look neats.







CONCLUSION:
  •  I have decided that i want to use specific things from VIBE and WORD UP! magazine to help construct my final magazine. I particularly like the simplicity of the VIBE magazine when it comes to focusing on colour scheme and the small 'V' logos in the corner of the pages.
  • The clear, clean cut within the double page spread as well as the housestyle layout of all the  text and the justified colums to enhance the neatness and simplicity of the magazine.
  • I like the idea of having a simple contents page but at the same time i would like to have a lot more detail on the contents page, to give it more attraction and excitment. I dont want to go over board with the detail and design on the contents page so i will keep it controlled and not have a caotic colour scheme, such as the WORD UP! magazine colour scheme but it wont be as simple as the VIBE magazine contents page.
  • My contents page will only show the important feature stories to grab readers attention and there will be a number of pictures on it as well, just to add detail and make it look more complex.

Thursday, 10 November 2011

double page spread




This is the photo I will be using for my double page spread. My main story is the physic students revealed which will relate to socializing in 6th form. I will have a few quotes around the double page spread to do with the article. (E.g. socialising in sixth form and psychic students.)






·         Masthead/Headline – Poof, Puff, Poof; Psychic Students Revealed!!!!!!!! - The heading will attract readers straight away because its big a bold and the use of alliteration adds character to the headline plus the word psychic will attract readers immediately because it will make them wonder.

Article –
Introduction: Students in the academy are psychic! Who are these students? When did they realise they were psychic? Who else knew they were psychic? These questions wondered through our minds as much as they are wondering through yours. Thankfully we have the power to figure out who our psychic students are…………
Some students in the sixth form are mysterious, making us question and want to find out more about them, deep hidden secrets wonder through these walls. The only way to find out is to ask. We were given a ‘heads up’ of a few students who seemed to do exceedingly well on their AS and A2 exams, so our interests automatically followed them. We interviewed two students who want to remain anonymous, who told us the both share the same exam techniques or ‘psychic powers’, as the called it, which ensures them success when doing an exam.
Of course we all think the root to their superb success is hard core revision but that’s where we’re wrong. The unexpected revision they do which comes as a shock to others helps them to do well in exams but were all wondering what these techniques are. I know readers you’re itching to find out theses specific techniques? And we are itching to tell you…….
Obviously months of preparation would be expected but not with these students. Weeks! A few weeks is a sufficient amount of time for these students to have enough revision to do well in exams. They have a special skill that not many students are blessed with. The luck of having a photographic memory!!!!! This supplies them with a years worth of studying and months worth of revision. They remember everything thing they ever wrote down, everything the teacher ever said. Every little aspect of learning, they can REMEMBER IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t we all wish we had the luck of being blessed with a photographic memory? Yes, yes we do! It’s unfortunate that we are not all as lucky as some so they gave us some tips and advise to help students with revision and exam difficulty. The main thing to do is prepare in advance for exams, have a detailed revision timetable and STICK TO IT! Do activities related to the subject your revising for and learn visually, verbally and actively. They reminded us that revision is supposed to fun plus enjoyable, so make sure that you make it fun for yourself or you will have trouble absorbing the information.
Conclusion:So there we go. Students with a photographic memory, working alongside us at sixth form. They look like average, ordinary students who have a secret skill which benefit them when doing exams. Revision is known as revision to us but to them revision is part of their psychic powers as it’s not a long, stressful process.
Revision is fun, so enjoy it but its much more fun for those students with ‘psychic powers’!!!

Monday, 7 November 2011

Alterations.....

i noticed once i had taken my preliminary photgraphs they didnt work with my preliminary colour scheme so ive decided to change the colour schemes so if fits in with my photgraohs taken, because i would eb wasting time if i took new photographs to work with my original colour scheme. My new colour scheme is grey, green and dark blue - to relate with my photgraphs taken.
This is a learning curve for me though as i now know that i need to be specific and careful when i do my graded magazine so i dont taje pictures that wont work with my orignial colour scheme idea.

Thursday, 3 November 2011

Feature Article

Article –
Introduction: Students in the academy are psychic! Who are these students? When did they realise they were psychic? Who else knew they were psychic? These questions wondered through our minds as much as they are wondering through yours. Thankfully we have the power to figure out who our psychic students are…………
Some students in the sixth form are mysterious, making us question and want to find out more about them, deep hidden secrets wonder through these walls. The only way to find out is to ask. We were given a ‘heads up’ of a few students who seemed to do exceedingly well on their AS and A2 exams, so our interests automatically followed them. We interviewed two students who want to remain anonymous, who told us the both share the same exam techniques or ‘psychic powers’, as the called it, which ensures them success when doing an exam.
Of course we all think the root to their superb success is hard core revision but that’s where we’re wrong. The unexpected revision they do which comes as a shock to others helps them to do well in exams but were all wondering what these techniques are. I know readers you’re itching to find out theses specific techniques? And we are itching to tell you…….
Conclusion: Obviously months of preparation would be expected but not with these students. Weeks! A few weeks is a sufficient amount of time for these students to have enough revision to do well in exams. They have a special skill that not many students are blessed with. The luck of having a photographic memory!!!!! This supplies them with a years worth of studying and months worth of revision. They remember everything thing they ever wrote down, everything the teacher ever said. Every little aspect of learning, they can REMEMBER IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t we all wish we had the luck of being blessed with a photographic memory? Yes, yes we do! It’s unfortunate that we are not all as lucky as some so they gave us some tips and advise to help students with revision and exam difficulty. The main thing to do is prepare in advance for exams, have a detailed revision timetable and STICK TO IT! Do activities related to the subject your revising for and learn visually, verbally and actively. They reminded us that revision is supposed to fun plus enjoyable, so make sure that you make it fun for yourself or you will have trouble absorbing the information.
So there we go. Students with a photographic memory, working alongside us at sixth form. They look like average, ordinary students who have a secret skill which benefit them when doing exams. Revision is known as revision to us but to them revision is part of their psychic powers as it’s not a long, stressful process.
Revision is fun, so enjoy it but its much more fun for those students with ‘psychic powers’!!!

Thursday, 13 October 2011

Experimenting with photography.

The objective of this task was to go to the 6th form area and take some photos for our preliminary magzaine task, making sure we test out different poses, camera angels, shot types and lighting.

Image 1:
  • This photo works well because she looks interested in her newspaper, giving off a focused and intellectual look.
  • The lighting is good, as it enables the picture to look clear and precise even though the photo itself was taken inside.
  • the shot type used was a medium long shot, and the camera angle is on the same level as my model, capturing majority of my models body as she is silently reading the newspaper.                       

Image 2 :                                                                                                                                                     
  • i dont think this phot works very well because its a high angle shot yet she looks vunerable and weak instead of strong and especially because of the shot type and camera angle, my model shouldnt look weak and timid.
  • she should be connecting with the camera. The lack of eye contact does not make the photo look any better or stronger.
  • on a positive note, the lighting of the photo is good and the background is suttle, nothing spectacular is going on in this shot at all.
  • Overall i find thins photo boring.                  
Image 3:                                                                                                         


  • The natural light in this photo, gives it a clear, calming and smooth look. 
  • its a medium long shot again and the camera angel is level to the model. 
  • her pose captures a deep and in-thought look, she looks as if shes thinking about something specific but at the same time her pose could be portrayed as borderm.
  • the fact that shes sitting comfortably on the wall, makes her look relaxed and the crossing of her legs, give off a "cool" element. 
  • the only critisim i have for this photo is the reflection of people in the school windows, in the background. it unfortunately ruins the photo and gives it a untidy look.

Image 4:                                                                                                          

  • Once again the natural light compliments this picture.
  • the shot type is also a medium long shot and the camera angel is level to the models.
  • with one model looking away and the other looking straight at the camera, it doesn't create a connection which fails to make the photo stronger.
  • once again the reflections in the background create a untidy look to the photo.
Image5:                                                                                   


  • the background reflection leaves the photo with untidy finish.
  • the medium long shot and eye level camera angle create a strong connection towards the camera but once again as only one model has eye contact with the camera, it doent make the photo strong enough.
  • the male models pose portrays a smart and knowlegeable look towards the 6th form & learning.
  • where as the femasle model looks like she is day dreaming and drifting in and out of her own world.
  • on a postive note the natural light compliments this photo in many ways.
Image 6:                                                    

  • in this shot both model have a pose which portrays deep thinking and interest.
  • the male model is connecting with the camera where as the female model is not
  • the high camera angel makes them look inferior to the photographer but the medium long shot enhances the photo.
  • the reflection in the school building gives the photo an untify look.
  • the natural light in this picture makes it look relaxing and clear.
Image 7:                                      
  • unfortunately there is another reflection in the background as well as the camera flash, whcih has reflected from the school building.
  • the natural light in this photo, makes it look clean and clear, enhancing the "fun" social aspect of 6th form.
  • the medium long shot and eye level camera angle works well for this photo.
  • both models are communicating with each other and neither are looking at the camera.
  • this does not make the phot strong at all but it shows a more social aspect to the 6th form.
Image 8:                                           
  • once again the camera flash and people reflection in the photo, give it an untidy look and finish.
  • it is also another medium long shot with the same angel on the same level as the models.
  • the models are also communicationg with each other and neither are making eye contact with the camera, which makes this shot weak.
  • the natural light makes the phot look batter as it shows every fine detail.
  • it enhances the social aspect of the 6th form, showing that its a place to hang with friends, as well as learn.
Image 9:
  • i am disappointed with this shot because both of these models argeed to let me take a photo of them but then decided at the last minute that they never wanted to.
  • its a medium shot and the camera angle is the same level as the models.
  • the background doesnt look very attractive either, as the bin, benches and other people are in the background.
  • the male model looks uninterested and annoyed, which could show a negative aspect of 6th form as well as ruining the photo.
  • the female model is covering her face, this could show a stressful side of 6th form but at the the same time she is not connecting with the camera or communicating with anyone either.
  • both models look depressed and un-interested about being photographed, which can be portrayed as a negative side to being a student at the 6th form.
Imsage 10:
  • the camera shot is the same level as the model and its a medium close up shot type.
  • the models pose looks like she is in deep thought about a particular subject, she also looks as if shes figuring out an answer for a piece of work.
  • her facial expression, makes her look as if shes interested in whatever she is thinking about, which gives a good impression of the 6th form.
  • an impression that the students are smart and think carefully about what they do, before they do it.
  • the only down fall about this photo is the reflections from the school building in the background, as it makes the phot look untidy.

Image 11:
  • the two boys in the background, once again give the phot an untidy finish.
  • i also think that part of the school building behind the boys, looks unattractive and ruins the picture. i should have told my model to turn around and taken a picture which just has the green glass building in the background but i would have to be sure that there wouldn't be any reflections in the glass.
  • the camera shot is a medium long shot and the shot type is eye level to the model.
  • her pose is a very cleshay, it's a pose to show how she is stressed from her reserach and work load. 
  • overall its a good phot but its too obvious and expected, due to the pose she is doing.
Image 12:
  • the camea shot is a medium long shot and the shot type is the same level as the camera.
  • both models are looking directly into the camera, creating a strong connection with the camera whcih makes the picture looks stronger.
  • the background looks unattractive on one side and attractive on the other. i should have made them model more to the right and just captured the green glass building instead of both.
  • one model hashis student pass on, which shows he is a 6th form student and they are both smartly dressed, which shows sophistication within the 6th form.
  • the are both doing a averagerly standard pose just looking at the camera, they dont look over joyed but they do look fairly content about being a 6th form student.
Image 13:
  • the shot type used in this photo is a low angle view, making the models look more superior to the viewer and the camera shot used is a medium long shot.
  • both students are dressed smartly and one has his 6th form pass, enhancing the smartness and preciseness of the 6th form.
  • both models are looking directly at the camera which along with the shot type used makes both models look even more superior and stronger to the viewer.
  • the model on the right is holding his glasses whcih gives hm a smarter and more knowledgable look where as the other model is just looking at the camera.
Image 14:
  • the shot type used is a higher angle shot, looking down on both models. this makes them look small and fairly weak but because both models are looking directly at the camera, the eye contact gives the photo more strength.
  • the way the students are dressed and posing make them look mature, smart and sophisticated.
  • a medium long shot was used, to csapture this photo.
  • the background of the photo is not that attractive or interesting which ruins the photo.
Targets: i have decided to set myself some targets when it comes to taking photographs. as i noticed the reoccurring patern of reflections in the background, i need to make sure that when i next take photographs i need to ensure that there is nobody in the background or and reflections from the camera flash, which could potentially ruin the picture.

Wednesday, 5 October 2011

Priliminary 6th formn magazine, finalisation

My prelimary 6ht form magazine finalisations.




·         Image – Mid shot of a few girls socialising and laughing. Outside in the sunshine, use of natural light, with a part of the school building in the background.
·         Colour – blue, grey and pink. The blue and pink are stereotypical male and female colour and the grey creates a cool look in addition to working well with the blue & pink. They are all light colours.
·         Fonts – century gothic looks a little like handwriting.
·         Graphics – school logo to represent the school as well as enhancing the fact that it’s a school 6th form magazine.
·         Mode of address – really friendly and chatty but at the same time very informative and detailed.
·         Representation – happy, friendly groups of students attending the 6th form. Enjoying themselves and hardworking but still able to have a social life.


Headlines
·        Socialise in sixth form!!!
·        6th forms fun friendly learning informer!
Puffs
·        Physic Students! ( agony aunts)
·        100 of the BEST! Revision tips
·        Be a WINNER!!! – Revise 4 summer!


Justification
My target audience particularly like the ideas of the font I chose because they agreed with me that it is fun and gives off a formal yet informal writing style. They agreed it did look like typical teenage girl handwriting as it’s not joined; it’s simple, easy to read and neat. They agreed the logo needs to be the Ashcroft logo, as it is a school 6th form magazine, considering the school is Ashcroft, the choice of logo works well and it agrees with the colour scheme of blue, pink & grey. I would have to lighten the logo a bit so it works better with the colour scheme, other than that its perfect.  As the magazine is more social then academic, the image of the girls laughing and relaxing will enhance the whole social theme instead of representing one thing and the magazine itself represents another.



Questionnaire
1.  Do you read magazines? (Yes , No )
2. How many times a week do you read magazines? (1-2  3-4  5-6  7+)
3. If a 6th form magazine was produced, would you buy it? ( yes, no)
4. Do you prefer magazines to be informative or social? ( informative, Social)
5. Would you purchase a 6th form magazine if it specified in social events and the social aspect of 6th form, rather than the academic aspect. ( yes, no )