I was able to capture a clear, storytelling photo using each angle and the framing necessary. I used canva to create the collage above, this displays a connotation and the denotation of each photo I took. The 9 photos represent my understanding of: midshots, longshots, close ups, extreme close ups, canted angles, two shots, high angles and low angles.

The distance between the camera and subject of the photo is extremely important, long shots typically show you the setting and explain the mood of a photo through weather/building colour etc. Whereas close ups focus in on the character and they grasp the emotion that the character is personally feeling. Both distances reach the same result but in very different ways. During our shoot we used this to our advantage, the narrative we created in each image is enhanced by the distance of the camera.

For example, in my two shot photo I made sure to include the trees, plants and sunlight because this connotes a feeling of happiness; the feeling of happiness I created by using a long distance technique was helpful to express the vibe of friendliness between the two people in the center. However a feeling of worry and danger was created when I used a close up technique in a photo of a boy under a car- inferring he had been hit by the vehicle. If this was taken as a long shot the boy who had been hit wouldn’t be a main focus point, meaning the severity of the situation would be lost and less exaggerated.

Mise-en-scene is even more powerful when combined with the use of camera angles, framing, proxemics and composition. When taking these photos we took an image and an idea then used MES to make the idea come to life through body language and scenery. When I wanted a happy photo I aimed to include sunlight, positive facial expressions and warmth whereas an when taking an uncomfortable or sad photo I would aim to use cool tones, negative facial expressions and dingy settings. I accomplished these aims.

Now knowing all camera angles and framing, the importance of proxemics and composition and the use of body language and facial expressions, I believe when I do photoshoots in the future I will be more successful in creating the correct denotations and connotations from each photo.

Photos I didn’t include in my collage:

MOODBOARD

All genres of music have different connotations, these connotations are taken from the MES created in concerts, photoshoots and advertising. The mood board above is made up of connotations of the music genre, pop. When looking at this mood board it becomes clear that pop as a genre is generally very colourful, bright and dramatic. Pop stars have a target audience of teenagers and children so I believe this is why the costume, shows and advertising is typically flashy and glittery because it captivates young people easily. Colour swatches for pop music contain a rainbow of colours, reinforcing the idea of pop being fun and childish. Pop artists can come across as somewhat self centered however they still appear to be quite normal, making it easier for young supporters to relate to them and follow their music.

Pop artists carry a star image by wearing extravagant, bold outfits/costumes when performing on stage. The mood board I created above displays glittery and shiny clothes with bold fabrics like velvet and leather. Pop artists typically just use vocals when on stage but some will play instruments like piano or guitar; the MES created in concerts consists of neon colours and vibrant decorations reinforcing the energetic vibe of the pop genre. The fonts used on posters and advertising for pop music will be strong and bold, this is enticing and captures young followers who will usually be pop stars’ target audience.

SOME PHOTOS WE DIDN’T CHOOSE

POST IT NOTE PHOTO

We took an unconventional, yet affective, approach to the pop genre photoshoot. Our model was somewhat arrogant and definitely conveyed a young, urban, edgy aura. The MES we created followed the vibe of more basic, simple posters e.g. Justin Bieber. He often dresses in common streetwear and this is the vibe we aimed to create.

The post it notes added by the class did match some of the pop genre criteria I stated above, this means that I as a media producer used many of the pop genre conventions effectively. Two post it notes stated ‘young’ and ‘normal’, this reiterates the point that pop stars focus on a young target audience who need to be able to relate to them. Being perceived as normal is important for pop stars to grow and become liked by the public. If we had used a conventional approach by using neon clothes, glitter and sequins we would have achieved some connotations along the lines of fun and bold which would have added to the MES of the genre, pop.

FINAL PHOTOS

I chose these two photos because I feel it displays the genre of pop most effectively. We aimed to have connotations of arrogance and fun when using the accessories (sunglasses and cap), this was successful. We focussed on props and lighting during this shoot and used bright, flash photos to convey the light and happy side of pop music. The pose in the photo on the right is a typical pose used by male pop stars in magazines and posters when advertising. The long shot in the photo on the right allows the jeans our model was wearing to be seen, these patchwork, ripped jeans represent the urban, up to date vibe that pop stars carry.

REFLECT AND FOCUS FORWARD

I now hold a greater understanding to the detail and necessity for MES to be accurate having executed this photoshoot. When I conduct photoshoots in the future I will think about all the connotations that could be taken from each background, costume, lighting angle and accessory. The denotations in images will be specific to a genre and this will make it easier for media to sell and be distributed to the correct target audience.

Tour posters may look like they are just a photograph with some information, however each small detail is vital in representing the message and brand the artist wants to create. In this case I looked at the Harry Styles 2021 tour poster and I wrote about and expanded on 6 different connotations I gathered from the denotations on the poster. I found that many of the choices Harry Styles made when creating this poster signified the same message: acceptance and being who you are.

A massive part of Harry’s brand is normalising different sexualities and genders without being ashamed as well as going against societal norms, he cleverly displayed this narrative throughout the poster. By wearing typically feminine clothes he is combating toxic masculinity. Also by using blue and pink in the background (the two colours associated with each gender) he is implying it’s okay to be gender fluid and express aspects of both genders when being yourself. Overall the poster is bright, vibrant and happy; each small detail contributes to this feeling.

Deconstructing the poster in depth was very useful, it proves that all media text is produced with the intent of sending a message and every detail is extremely important. When I produce media in the future I will focus on one main message and make sure everything down to the background colours relate to it- like Harry Styles’ tour poster above- considering what thoughts each detail will connote. If I were to design a tour poster aimed towards teenagers I would use big, bold text and small snippets of information (similar to the poster above) to ensure my target audience isn’t overwhelmed by large bulks of writing. I will think carefully about mise-en-scene and how each of the 6 elements play a crucial roll in portraying the desired theme and reaching the target audience.