Planning Task 8 : Photography Planning

So, you have planned your productions for both the print and online elements of the set brief. Well done you!

Now it is time to ensure that you have a plan for your original photography in relation to casting and mise-en-scene.

In order to meet the set brief you will need to have, as a minimum,

• 4 original images for your magazine covers and contents pages (at least one image on each of these)
• 2 original images for your wesbite (one on the homepage and one on the linked page)

In order to be able to undertake a successful photoshoot to capture images you need a plan.

1. Who will you be using as your models for each photograph (bear in mind that your photographs need to show representation of two distinct social groups)

I recommend doing some sample photographs with people you are considering using as this will help you to see how they 'perform' when having a camera in their face and are being 'directed' by you.

In relation to 'representation of two distinct social groups' I would advise you keep it both simple and obvious by representing two different genders or two different ethnicities across the two covers.

2. What thought needs to be given to the following elements of mise-en-scene?

Location for photography? Bear in mind that the two main images for each front cover must show "a different use of mise-en-scène". Simply put, you need to plan to take photos in two different settings. My advice would be to do one as an interior shoot and the other as an exterior shoot.

Costume? What will your models be asked to wear for the photoshoots? Costume is a key element of mise-en-scene and communicates messages relating to representation. You should not have your models just turning up wearing what they want; you have to direct this.

Props? Will you need any props for your photoshoots? This could be something very simple or something more elaborate BUT it has to be planned.

Body language of model? How do you want your models to behave? Their body language will communicate meaning. Are they going to be serious and moody or fun and frolicky*? *not a real word.

Lighting? Will you need to give any consideration to lighting for your photography?

3. Who will be taking your photographs and what equipment will they use?

Remember that you do not have to take the photographs yourself so if you know someone who is a keen amateur (or professional) photographer then you can enlist their help. The only rule is that they must act under your direction.

There is no need to use expensive camera equipment for your photography - most modern mobile phones have extremely high performance in relation to photography.

Finally, if you need 6 photographs take 60 photographs. The more images you have to use and choose from the better your completed production will be.

Planning Task 8

Create a new post on your blog with the following title:

Planning Task 8 : Photography Planning

In this post set out your planning for all of the elements above that will contribute to your photography.

This can be a format of your own choosing.

Suggested Deadline

Wednesday 3rd September

Checkpoint : Does Your Planning Meet The Requirements of the Set Brief?

You now need to go back through the planning for your magazine covers, contents pages and website in order to check that your planning meets the requirements of the set brief.

For example, you could put together a tick list of requirements that you create from the set brief and then work your way through this.

I have put together an example of this for the magazine covers and contents pages below.

Will your two magazine covers and contents pages include (as a minimum):

• At least four different main images using original photography across the magazine covers and contents pages.

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

• Editing of magazine covers and contents pages (including photos, text, graphics, typography and layout).

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

• Written text including elements such as the masthead, main coverline, other coverlines, content plugs and copy.

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

• Barcode, date, edition and price information on each front cover.

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

• A different use of mise-en-scène for each cover.

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

• At least two models representing at least two different social groups (e.g. as defined by age, gender, race and ethnicity, sexuality).

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

• A call to action pointing readers to the online website.

Yes or no? If no, go back to planning and include this.

Planning Task 7 : Website Homepage and Linked Page

You should now be in the position of having everything planned in relation to your 2 magazine editions.

If you have done this properly it will make the next stage of your planning much easier.

Firstly, you need to consider the requirements of the set brief in relation to your website.  

You have to produce two pages for the working website for the magazine; the homepage and one other linked page.

The production of the web pages must include (as a minimum):

• Appropriate conventions of website design, including an original title and logo and a menu bar.
• Text introducing the main features of the magazine.
• Working links from the home page to the other page.
• A minimum of two original images (with at least one different original image on each of the two pages). These images must be different from those produced for the magazine.
• A range of appropriate media language techniques (typography, images, fonts, backgrounds, logos etc.) as appropriate to the purpose of the website.
• Original audio or audio-visual content appropriate to the online website.

For this task you need to show evidence of planning to meet the requirements above.

In particular, focus on planning for the following questions:

1. What will your website header on the homepage look like?

You need to think carefully about this - it will include a masthead and links to other pages plus social media icons.

You only need to have one working linked but the others should still be there.

I have included screenshots of the header for several music magazines below.

Header for So Young magazine

Header for The Wire magazine

Header for Pitchfork Magazine

2. What content will be on your homepage and linked page?

This means text and images. It would be sensible to include things that you have planned for the front cover and contents of the second edition of your magazine. Use this to help you.

Remember that, in relation to images, your website must have a minimum of two original images (with at least one different original image on each of the two pages). These images must be different from those produced for the magazine.

3. What original audio or audio-visual content will be included on your website?

You must include this but what will it be?

Ideas could include:

• an interview with one of the actors/directors featured on your magazine 2nd edition front page
• a 'to camera' welcome to the magazine by the editor in which he/she/they explain what can be found on the website
• something else of your own choice

Planning Task 7 : Website Homepage and Linked Page

Create a post on your blog with the following title:

Planning Task 6 : Website Homepage and Linked Page

In this post provide clear evidence of planning for the two questions set out above.

This can be in whatever format you wish.

Suggested Deadline

Wednesday 3rd September

Planning Task 6 : Contents Pages

You should now have a clear idea of the design, layout and content of your two front covers. 

This means that you are now able to move on to the design, layout and content of the contents pages for the two editions of your magazine.

The layout will stay the same for both as it would be unusual to use a different layout for the two pages. However, the actual details of composition and layout need to be planned.

Conventions of a Contents Page

• It would be normal to have the word Contents, perhaps unsurprisingly, on the contents page somewhere
• Contents pages are usually divided into sections - these would be the sections of the magazine
• Page numbers would normally be used
• Not all of the contents in the magazine appear in the contents page
• Images are used in relation to at least one of the contents
• Contents pages show careful consideration of layout

You conducted research into the composition and layout of contents pages in existing music magazines - this should be helpful for you.

I have also provided images of contents pages from other magazines further down in this post (different genres) and these may act as some form of further reference and inspiration for you.

Take a look through these and, of course, any other contents pages you can find from magazines.

Planning Task 6

Create a post on your blog with the following title:

Planning Task 6 : Contents Pages

In this post you need to provide evidence of planning for your contents pages.

This should include mock-ups of both contents pages for your 2 magazine issues - remember to refer back to your front covers as you will need to make sure that the coverlines on your covers are reflected in the contents pages.

I have explained how mock-ups need to look in the last post so this should be fairly straightforward.

You do not need to write the full text of the contents page on your mock-ups BUT you will need to have these planned and spell-checked ready for inclusion when you come to produce your contents pages in Photoshop.

It is essential that all copy for your magazine contents pages is checked carefully for spelling and grammar.

Suggested Deadline

Wednesday 3rd September

Conventions of a Contents Page

• It would be normal to have the word Contents, perhaps unsurprisingly, on the contents page somewhere
• Contents pages are usually divided into sections - these would be the sections of the magazine
• Page numbers would normally be used
• Not all of the contents in the magazine appear in the contents page
• Images are used in relation to at least one of the contents
• Contents pages show careful consideration of layout

I have provided images of contents pages from other magazines below (different genres) and these may act as some form of further reference and inspiration for you.

Take a look through these and, of course, any other contents pages you can find from magazines.

Magazine front covers? Tick

Magazine contents pages? Here we go...

You conducted research into the composition and layout of contents pages in Sight and Sound, Film Stories and Little White Lies. You now need to plan these for the 2 issues of your film magazine.

The layout will stay the same for both as it would be unusual to use a different layout for the two pages. However, the actual details of composition and layout need to be planned.

Conventions of a Contents Page

• It would be normal to have the word Contents, perhaps unsurprisingly, on the contents page somewhere
• Contents pages are usually divided into sections - these would be the sections of the magazine
• Page numbers would normally be used
• Not all of the contents in the magazine appear in the contents page
• Images are used in relation to at least one of the contents
• Contents pages show careful consideration of layout

I have provided images of contents pages from other magazines below (different genres) and these may act as some form of further reference and inspiration for you.

Take a look through these and, of course, any other contents pages you can find from magazines.

Conventions of a Contents Page

• It would be normal to have the word Contents, perhaps unsurprisingly, on the contents page somewhere
• Contents pages are usually divided into sections - these would be the sections of the magazine
• Page numbers would normally be used
• Not all of the contents in the magazine appear in the contents page
• Images are used in relation to at least one of the contents
• Contents pages show careful consideration of layout

I have provided images of contents pages from other magazines below (different genres) and these may act as some form of further reference and inspiration for you.

Take a look through these and, of course, any other contents pages you can find from magazines.