In groups, we were given a genre of music to research, ours was Pop. We all found different images that represent the genre and added it to a mood board. We tried to include the fashion, hairstyles, album covers, and accessories associated with our genre. We decided to base it on ‘the 80s/’90s pop genre and discovered that the style was mainly casual, bright, loose, and relaxed. The mise en scene used in the classic album covers normally displays the singers standing together looking to the camera. It is very simple and straightforward. This ties in with the easy-going style of that era. This creates a relatable, friendly, and genuine image for the artists which makes them more likable by the public.
I have learned that the stereotypical ‘Pop’ look usually includes a funky and colourful shirt, a jacket, skinny jeans, and some plain shoes. It is generally very mainstream and basic but this works as it doesn’t stand out too much and can be liked by all.
Post-it Note Responses
After we took our photos, the class had to write the words that came to mind when looking at this outfit onto post-it notes. The typical answers were ‘confident’, ‘modern’, laid-back’ etc. This was exactly the image we wanted to portray. We tried to take inspiration from our mood board to create a staple boy-band member. We tried different pieces of clothing such as leather jackets, 90’s style colourful shirts, a variety of sunglasses etc which were all based on our mood board. We found that a simple denim jacket and button-up shirt helped portray the image we were going for without over complicating it. This links to the typical ‘Popstar’ figure during the ’90s, very simple and more focused on the music rather than their fashion.
Our Own Photos
Here are a few of the many photos we took whilst in costume. We tried different poses and locations to keep a variety and find which worked best. I personally think that the images where Jacques is pointing to the camera and the one where he is looking off to the left with his glasses on were most effective. I think they really encapsulate what comes to mind when you think of a Popstar. His facial expressions are very unbothered and he’s not showing any joy or excitement, perhaps to look cool. Also, pulling down his glasses slightly when looking into the camera makes it seem as though he almost didn’t notice you because of his own existence and fame.
The final photo
The relaxed and nonchalant look into the distance rather than to the camera makes you think he is very cool and collected. His facial expressions are very unbothered and he’s not showing any joy or excitement, perhaps to look cool. Also, his body language suggests that he is unconcerned and fairly relaxed, this could mean that he is a high profile and is used to getting attention. His hair isn’t over the top or distracting from the rest of the look. We assume he is very popular and probably quite ego-centric because of the overall persona he displays through his clothes and confident poses. We did not add any makeup as Popstars from the ’90s were often keeping it plain and low-key with their appearances rather than standing out from the crowd.
Reflection
Overall, I have learned the importance of using Mise en Scene in photography, it helps to convey meaning in your images. Without it, your work is vacant and motiveless, you can not tell a story or express a message without it. Being able to denote and connote an image is extremely helpful in understanding what it is trying to say. This will help me in the production of my own magazine as I have a better understanding of what I need to pay attention to when taking my own photos such as detail, costume, background, and location. Detail is extremely important as it can change the entire interpretation. If for example, I have dressed up in costume to convey a particular message but have my phone sticking out of my pocket or have a messy background where it is not relevant then it instantly takes away the quality of the image; it makes the production look sloppy and rushed.
