Nicky
Coales
Type of shot used - Analysis
As can be seen above, all three magazines analysed used a direct mode of address as well as all using a mid shot. This is done to engage with the reader, and also to speak to the audience on a personal level rather than a level that portrays these people as better than you. This directness and eye contact suggests the reader could relate to the person or people on the front if they were to purchase the magazine and find out more. The fact that these 3 different music magazines, although being published by the same company, find this mode of address more effective in order to get people to buy these magazines. The main images always seem to cover the magazine logo, this is to connote their importance and to help them stand out. This shows that the magazine is confident enough in its reputation that its logo will still be recognizable when the view of it is obstructed. This technique could also be used to make those one the front image stand out even more.
The examples above show three more magazine covers, but some take a different approach when it comes to the type of shot used. The example in the middle is a mid shot, which conforms to the conventions of the magazine covers explored so far; however, what makes this cover different is that Ed Sheeran is not using a direct mode of address. This could represent a more friendly approach reflected in his character which doesn't require an intimidating direct look, it could also represent how this artist is too lost in their music to look directly at the camera. The example on the left shows a different type of shot for the cover, a close up, where it is a usually a mid-shot to emphasise what the artist is wearing; but the choice of a close up would be in order emphasise the mood and the facial expressions of the person on the cover. The example seen on the right takes a different approach to direct mode of address, as the artist's eyes are covered by sunglasses; this could be used to represent the genre he belongs to or to connote mystery.