Analysis of front cover (1)

Connotation:

from this image we notice that one of the boys is grabbing his shirt in anger to show power and frustration. Also each male are on different level platforms on the cover, perhaps showing variation of their band, to show who is the more important figure or perhaps this is done to make them and the magazine appear more superior. The mid shot allows the audience to see majority everything, such as the models clothing, this is useful as the audience sometimes base their dress sense depending on celebrities. Mid shot makes the image seem more realistic and natural, making the reader connect more

Denotation:

This is a mid sot image of an all male band called “JLS” who are all looking directly at the camera in different positions with intimidating facial expressions.

Conventions:

The master head is in gold block capitals and on top of a black background this is done to make the master head more eye catching as it is more noticeable. Stereotypical conventions are shown, for example: having the masterhead at the top and the skyline at the bottom this makes the audience familiarise themselves with the magazine. The main cover lines are in bold white and skyline is a mixture of gold and white. Also the website is located at the top right and the issue number is directly opposite on the right. Clear noticeable conventions are shown to make it easy for the reader to navigate

Camera angel/shot type: 

The shot type which is being displayed is a mid shot which is done to unravel the body language, which is aggression and also to reveal clothing to the audience.

Colours:

 the main colours used are gold, black and white. Gold is a warm colour that can be both bright and cheerful, however the use of gold could also mean gold standard – the best, a measure of quality, excellence, which the magazine might portray itself to be. Another colour used is black, conveying elegance, sophistication or a touch of mystery. Whereas white symbolises purity, cleanliness, innocence and goes well with almost any colour. The colours used a very rich and important showing the quality of the magazine

Enigma and ambiguity: 

the models are looking directly at the same showing that there isn’t any mystery; this could indicate to the reader that in the magazine there are not going to hide anything from the reader, making them interested in buying the magazine. It also the lack of mystery and gestures show their purity, they are simple, which sends a more powerful message.

Layout style: 

The layout conventions is in the letter of a C, this is because when you see this cover your eyes follow it round in the form as a C, takes you from the right hand top corner following it round. Also the rule of thirds maybe used as the line falls on the models eye view. The use of the C makes it easier for the reader to navigate as a clear simple layout is done in order to allow the reader to follow and make the magazine seem less compact.

Mise-en-scene.

The background is a simply light grey which is done maybe to emphasis the focus of the models. The main colours are black white and gold which are neutral. They are wearing simple clothing which perhaps is done so the reader can feel that they can relate to them. The image is the background of the magazine symbolising the importance of the models. Their styling of clothing is cool casual trendy which appeal to the target audience, making a direct link between the reader and the magazine. The information isnt too much and there is a balance between visual images and text. There are no insert images just one main focal image which covers the whole page showing the bands dominance. Encouraging words such as “award winning” are displayed to draw the reader in, making them feel like they wouldn’t want to miss out on a big story.