Over the past couple weeks, I have learnt extremely valuable information about both camera and mis-en-scene which will be fundamental to use in my contemporary R&B magazine. To begin, I have learnt how to alter the camera focus from automatic to manual, therefore meaning that I will have ultimate control over the quality of my image and the settings involved in that; using exposure and shutter speed to my advantage. Additionally, I have learnt how to use the flash photography equipment as I have discovered that if the flash is used correctly and effectively, it will noticebly improve the quality and liveliness within my Photographs.  When coming do my actual shoot, I will be thoroughly thinking carefully about all of the conventions of mis-en-scene within my images to help create the way in which my star is being conveyed and communicated to my audience. As I am doing my shoot in a photography studio aspects such as setting will not be valid however I will pay particulary close attention to costume as my music genre (contemporary R&B) considers fashion to be a major way to make a statement. On top of this, acting, proxemics and facial expressions will all be just as vital as this is key to create the attitude and confidence I wish to portray in my images. All of these points are things which I have already thoughtfully planned to ensure my images are at the best possible standard and are as effective as possible. Of course, being a music magazine, my main focus is to convey the Contemporary R&B style and make sure that I am attracting the correct audience thus I need to facilitate that my star image entices my target and hits the correct criteria in terms what they want; this of which I have also researched in depth.

I have learnt that when creating media there are many different characteristics that I must think carefully and particulary about when incorporating them into my work.  More importantly, I have discovered why I must involve these attributes and how formed together; they will send an overall message to my audience.

Instantly grabbing the audiences attention, the main image choice is a crucial aspect of any media. I acts as a fast and visual representation, summing up what the message is in what the media is trying to evoke. There are many features within the image which must be taken carefully into account as every part of it certain meaning which the viewer will seamlessly pick upon. Some of these dimensions which I have learnt to think about include:

• The camera shot and angle used – a long shot may add a sense of loneliness or show that the focus is on fashion and clothing whereas a close shot adds intensity and may be focusing on the makeup of the model.
• Colour palette – every colour emphasises certain moods or emotions as well as connotations with certain meaning.
• Costume and makeup – this can say a lot about what the media is about and who it will attract.
• Lighting – sets the mood of the photograph and soft lighting vs harsh, contrasting lighting both evoke different messages.
• Acting/poses – shows personality and adds additional meaning to the media.

The colour palette used overall is vital for many reasons. For example, each colour withholds certain connotations; red symbolising love or anger depending on the content. As well as these individual meanings, certain groups of colours will have certain effects on the media. Bold colours illustrate confidence as well as being eye-catching and therefore standing out to the audience. On top of this, it is important not to overdo the use of colours and instead try and narrow it down to three or four colours that will work together effectively for the message you are promoting. This is key as too many colours will appear cluttered and unprofessional as well as confusing the audience and distracting them from what you are actually trying to tell them. Also, a repetitive theme of key colours will be more aesthetically pleasing and nice on the eye.

Moreover, both the choice of font and size of text is imperative as it also adds to the messages the media is trying to portray as well as working together to help the viewer focus on key text and points in which it talks about. For example, a large, bold and simple font is often used for the masthead as it is eye-catching, easy to read and straight to the point. However a smaller hand written font may be used to communicate a short quote from the magazines star as it adds a personal and authentic feel.

Finally, the overall positioning of all of these factors is vital as it must look as professional as possible. For examples, a lot of key information is often put at the left of a magazine front cover as when magazines are stacked on a shelve to be sold, the information is visible for the possible buyers. As well as this being for practicality, the visual appearance of the magazine is possibly even more important because this is what people will subconsciously judge the quality of the magazine from. The main image is typically large and central with the text complimentarily either surrounding or overlapping it. If there is a model in the image than there are tricks to bring the audiences attention to certain points that are being made. For example if the models eyes are facing a specific point of text the viewer will follow in there direction and read that part first, giving it most of their attention.

When coming to create my own media and magazine cover I will apply everything I have learnt and listed above, enabling me to produce the most professional, practical and visually appealing magazine cover as possible.

An image can create meaning in a variety of ways. Firstly, in terms of taking a photograph, the use of mise-en-scene. This is made up of many conventions including; hair, makeup, costume, proxemics, acting, lighting, props and setting. All of these are very important terms to think about and add so much to a photo.

Another thing to consider is use of colour, for a more sophisticated look sometimes a very minimal colour palette is more effective as it is simplistic, sleek and doesn’t look over crowded. However jumbles of bright and bold colours can work just as well, all dependant on the meaning the image wants to evoke. On top of this, every colour connotes with certain feelings and emotions. For example red can resemble anger, hate and rage as well as love and seductiveness depending on the content and the use of mise-en-scene.

Finally, an image can communicate meaning is a way which is slightly more subconscious to the viewer but still just as important and has just as much effect. And that is the use of camera techniques. This includes; different angles, distances, points of focus and framing. Something as simple as using a high angle can evoke high senses of innocence, vulnerability and lack of power before even looking at the actual content of an image.

All of these aspects of an image interlink to create an overall meaning. This is vital information for me to know when creating my music magazine as I now have a deep insight in how to put all these different aspects together to correctly portray the meaning I want to show.

For the duration of these upcoming two years, I hope to further develop  my knowledge of the Media. Particular skills which I wish to learn involve: critical analysis, research, teamwork and both cultural and commercial awareness of the media and creative industries. I think of media as a modern art of its own and I love that it enables you to use your imagination as well as getting a broad insight of the world around you.

Skills in media which I believe I already acquire involve a vivid understanding in forms of it which I use on a daily basis including social media platforms such as instagram or snapchat. However, I additionally have experience in video creating, image editing and hold an open mind to new influences and inspirations that I come across. Finally, I am a good listener and keen to learn.