Component 1

So… How Can An Image Communicate Meaning?

emiliegaudion Component 1, Creative Critical Reflection 1

In order to create a piece of media that effectively communicates meaning, there are a large number of considerations to be made; the main two aspects to consider are Mise-En-Scene and Camera Framing. These work together in order to create the most effective image possible.

One of the considerations to be made when creating an image that portrays meaning is Mise-En-Scene. In order to create an effective image, there are 6 key components to take into account. These can be abbreviated into the acronym ‘CLAMPS’, which stands for:

  • Camera
  • Lighting
  • Acting/Proxemics
  • Makeup/Hair
  • Props
  • Setting

These are important to take into consideration, as, if the conventions of a genre don’t match the use of Mise-En-Scene in an image, it can be confusing and ineffective in its portrayal of meaning. For example, if the genre was heavy metal, having the subject dressed in bright colours holding a harmonica would not be effective in displaying the desired connotations.

The other primary consideration to be made when creating an image that conveys meaning is Camera Framing, as the use of different camera angles and framing can be hugely effective in portraying meaning. For example, a low shot can convey a tone of authority and strength, whereas a high shot can convey a tone of weakness, helplessness, and vulnerability. If these aspects aren’t taken into consideration, then the image may not convey the desired tone, therefore confounding the receiver.

In conclusion, when planning for, designing, and executing my image, I will make sure to take into consideration all aspects Mise-En-Scene and Camera Framing in order to avoid audience confusion and effectively convey my desired message.

Technical Camera Terms

emiliegaudion Preliminary Print Tasks

Contact Sheet 1

Contact Sheet 2

Reflection

In order to use my DSLR camera effectively, I took into consideration the instructions that had been provided by our technician. The three main aspects that we focused on were Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO. Shutter Speed is the speed that the shutter closes, which allows in as much light is necessary for the shot. A lower shutter speed is used in darker environments, as it closes more slowly, allowing more light in; a higher shutter speed is used in lighter environments, and it closes more quickly, because less light is needed. The faster the shutter speed, the higher the number will be. Aperture controls the amount of light entering the camera’s lens. If more light is needed it will be a bigger hole, and if less light is needed, a smaller hole; the lower the number, the bigger the aperture. These two aspects work together to control how much light is being allowed in to the shot. ISO is about sensitivity to light, if the number is lower, it will be less sensitive to light, and, therefore, have a finer grain. As I took photos, I feel I improved on my use of these features. For example, I took a some overexposed photos, such as image 0120, and some underexposed photos, such as image 0122. I tried to rectify this in the images following by decreasing the aperture and increasing the shutter speed for the overexposed photos, and increasing the aperture and decreasing the shutter speed for the underexposed photos.

I feel I achieved my goal in using different angles and framing to portray different moods when photographing objects. One of my photos of a lamppost, 0162, is shot from a low angle, which connotes that it is an object of power and superiority, whereas in a different photo of it, 0161, it is shown in a wide angle shot which features more peripheral detail, implying that it is not something notable, but rather just a part of a bigger picture.

This knowledge of camera usage will be helpful for the creation of my music magazine because I will know how to take photos effectively, and in a way that can convey meaning.

My Image: Mise en Scene to communicate meaning

emiliegaudion Component 1, Preliminary Print Tasks

In class, we were set a task in using Mise en Scene in order to communicate meaning; we would select a piece of paper with an unknown music genre written on it, and, in groups, we would have to consider CLAMPS in order to stage a photoshoot and create a tour poster for that genre. My group were assigned the genre ‘Heavy Rock’. In order to better understand the conventions of Heavy Rock, we created a moodboard detailing what we feel are key features and conventions, including hairstyles, makeup, and clothing.

Heavy Rock Moodboard

Made with Padlet

I feel this task was helpful in the visualization of the Heavy Rock genre. From this moodboard, I considered Mise en Scene, and determined some key conventions for each aspect of CLAMPS:

  • Costume
    • Leather clothing, particularly jackets
    • Denim clothing, particularly jackets and flared jeans
    • Band tees
    • Black clothing
    • Accessories, such as metal jewelry
  • Lighting
    • Photos well lit
    • Sometimes photographed in black and white
  • Acting and Proxemics
    • Serious expressions
    • Usually making direct eye contact with the camera
    • If in groups, usually stood close together
    • High energy action shots
    • Strong, confident stance
  • Makeup and Hair
    • Long, often slightly messy, hair
    • Dark makeup if worn, eg. dark lipstick, eyeliner
  • Props
    • Action shots often feature instruments generally associated with Metal, eg. electric guitar, microphone
  • Setting
    • Venue in background from gigs
    • Often industrial backgrounds for more staged shoots

With these aspects in mind, we completed our photoshoot.

Heavy Rock – Final Photo Analysis

For this shoot, we referred to our moodboard in order to analyse which ideas were the most common and why that might be. For example, we mostly stuck to dark clothing and makeup, as we found these colours were most prominently used in the Heavy Rock, and this gives connotations of seriousness, intensity, confidence, and edge. This fits with the conventions of this genre, as the music often focuses on resistance, non-conformity, taking a stand, and generally going against the grain.

When I photograph in the studio, I will probably use dimmer lighting, as this more closely follows the conventions of the Heavy Rock genre and its association with darkness for the purpose of edge. I will also photograph my model either with a higher energy action shot, or with a more deliberate, intimidating stance, as I feel this better reflects the genre.

Through this task I have learned the importance of considering all aspects of Mise en Scene, as it is immensely important in creating a piece of Media with the correct overall tone, as well as being highly necessary in order to distinguish between various genres. I will ensure I apply this level of thought to any content I create in the future in order to be as successful as possible in conveying my desired message.

Print Media that Communicates Meaning

emiliegaudion Component 1, Preliminary Print Tasks

Every aspect of Print Media has the capacity to portray a number of different narratives and meanings based on its key components. In order to create an effective piece of media, there are 6 main components that need to be considered. These are known as ‘Mise En Scene’, and can be abbreviated to form the word CLAMPS. This stands for:

  • Costume
  • Lighting
  • Acting and Proxemics
  • Makeup and Hair
  • Props
  • Setting

Below, I have analysed a tour poster in order to derive its meaning and the message it’s aiming to portray.

Tour Poster Analysis

For this poster, Muse didn’t go for a traditional ‘glossy’ look, and instead went for a more rough and edgy style. I feel that this was done portray the band as not being something shiny and unattainable, but rather as more relatable to the masses; they aren’t different from anybody else. This helps their fans connect to them and view them as other human beings, rather than idols, therefore encouraging them to attend their tour by appealing to their target audience.

In order to create my Music Magazine, I will need to consider all aspects of Mise En Scene in order to convey the message that I want; I will do this by making sure I remember the 6 aspects of CLAMPS, and ensuring I have thought through every decision I make thoroughly.

So… I’m a Media Prosumer

emiliegaudion Creative Critical Reflection 1

Blumler and Katz’s theory outlines that people who are consuming media typically do so to fulfill a certain need. These needs fall into four categories:

  • Entertainment/Diversion – Escapism, aesthetic enjoyment, filling time
  • Social Interaction – Basis for relationships, identification with others
  • Personal Identity – Reaffirmation of behavior, values, sense of self etc
  • Information/Surveillance – Education and advice

In order to display Blumler an Katz’s Uses and Gratification theory, I created a collage of some of the media that I enjoy consuming.

Media Prosumer Collage

After creating this collage, I then considered which subcategories of Blumler and Katz’s theory that the media I consume tends to fall under.

I found that for personal identity, I tended to gravitate more towards music, such as dodie, girl in red, Frank Hamilton and Cavetown, as the lyrics tend to be on subject matters which I can relate to and identify with.

For social interaction, I found I gravitated more towards TV shows and movies, as I often begin watching based on recommendation or when with others. For example, Brooklyn 99 and The Umbrella Academy were both shows that my friends watched and recommended, and I watched Sinister, Orphan and Rocky Horror when with others, which then became topics of conversation and bonding, as well as things that I enjoyed personally.

Finally, I found that every item in my collage related to entertainment and diversion, as when I seek media, it’s mostly for escapism or aesthetic enjoyment.

My media collage fits Blumler and Katz’s theory relatively well, as while I do also consume informative media, it’s not generally something that I actively seek out in order to fulfill a need. However, on the other three criteria, my collage is a strong example of the desire for fulfillment from the media, with many of the items even  fulfilling multiple criteria at once.

With this in mind, I need to consider the way in which Blumler and Katz’s theory can impact the way in which I will produce my music magazine. In order to create an effective magazine, I will try to cover every area outlined in the theory in order to create as successful a text as possible – a text which is entertaining, a potential topic of conversation, relatable, and informative.

Media Ecology

emiliegaudion Creative Critical Reflection 1

The overall principle of Media Ecology states that all components of the media are interlinked, and depend on each other in order to succeed. The 8 main aspects of Media Ecology are:

  1. Money
  2. Institutions
  3. Audience
  4. Government
  5. Creators
  6. Distribution
  7. Social Media
  8. Technology

In my opinion, the idea that every one of these components is necessary is a valid reflection of how the media works, as, with deeper research into each of the connections, it becomes highly apparent that they all need each other to work effectively, and are all contributors into how and what the receiver will consume.

The component that my partner and I investigated was the importance of audience, and our thoughts are detailed in the image of our mind-map below.

Mindmap: Audience role in Media Ecology

 

Media Ecology Mindmaps: How other components play their roles in Media Ecology

In order to create my magazine, I will utilize the concept of Media Ecology in order to appeal to my audience, as if the content doesn’t match the expectations of the target audience, the magazine would lose engagement, as well as profit. I will also consider all other components of the media ecology, and while every aspect is important to its success, I feel these key components are the most relevant alongside the consideration of the audience: money, as without it the magazine would unlikely be able to go into print, institutions, as they will likely be the ones producing and publishing the magazine, and distribution, because without it the audience would be unable to receive the magazine at all.

In conclusion, I must remember that all components are deeply important in the media, and that it is vital that I consider all aspects of Media Ecology in order to be successful with this task.

Hello Media Studies!

emiliegaudion Creative Critical Reflection 1

I have always had an interest in the media – I would come home from primary school and immediately switch on the TV, I’d read everything I could get my hands on, I’d wake up early to listen to the radio for 2 hours before school. While the way I consume media has changed since then, the fact that I consume as much media as possible hasn’t, and that’s why I have a particular interest in this subject: I want to learn about what has always been an integral part of my life.

On this course, I am hoping to study a manner of skills surrounding consumption and production of Media. One aspect which I am particularly looking forward to learning is video editing, as I am interested in learning how to use software to create an end product which I can feel proud of. I’m also excited to learn a bit about cinematography, as I have always been intrigued to know how much work is put into making one shot as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

A skill that I already have is photo editing, and, since i was 12 years old, I have enjoyed utilizing various skills and softwares to make edits of some of my favourite media. However, I have little experience in Photoshop, and, as it’s one of the most prominent editorial softwares, I would like to improve on my skills over the course of the following years.

Finally, I think that the skills I will learn from Media Studies will be transferable to my life, as not only will the course aid me in improving my technological skills, it will potentially aid me in my future career, as I am interested in pursuing a career in the Media, possibly in journalism. I feel the course will aid me in my understanding of how the Media works, as I will be dismantling everything that goes into successful examples, and that it will also help me to become more skilled at managing my time efficiently. Finally, I hope that the course will create more creative opportunities for me, as over the years I’ve began to lose touch with my creative side, and it’s a passion that I’d love to re-kindle.