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

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.