Music Magazine: DPS Photo Shoot

This photoshoot was the first I had conducted with a smoke machine and therefore was not as sleek and professional as I had liked. I took numerous images using the different coloured lights and smoke to create a mysterious look. However, the colour was too harsh on the model's face which was lost due to this effect along with the black sheet and clothing. The overall look of the model, with the dark clothing and long hair I liked and believed worked and would therefore use this again when I reshoot. The long shots of the model also are not intimate enough for a dps, and I think would be more beneficial if the images focused primarily on the model's face. Although I initially thought the coloured smoke would work to my advantage, on reflection I believe a brighter, whiter light would be better as the model's features would not be lost. I did particularly like the use of the microphone prop and would use this in my reshoot. 

Although not necessarily as success in terms of picture quality, this photoshoot has allowed me to decided on ways to improve my images for my next photoshoot. I will still be using the smoke machine, although I will be angling this less on her face, which I believe was too harsh. My next photoshoot will include: 

• bright white light used instead of colour 
• closer head shots 
• use of the microphone prop 
• same model with dark clothing and makeup 

Music Magazine: Detailed DPS Research

The detailed research includes more specific aspects of my double page spread, such as the model's appearance and pose. I am planning on using a smoke effect for the double page spread, which will be used with the help of a smoke machine and lights. I am going to experiment with multiple poses and props, which will show the music element of the magazine. 

I want the overall look to appear mysterious and dark, as my chosen model with be also wearing dark clothing to ensure the smoke and lights can be easily seen. I am to include: 

• Include a musical prop, most probably a microphone
• Use a smoke machine to create a mysterious effect
• Model to be in dark clothing. 

These images include the use of the smoke machine which I am trying to aim for. The model is wearing dark clothing, something I want to imitate to ensure the smoke and lights are clear. I will also use a black sheet, instead of white to ensure the smoke is used to the maximum. The model also has long dark hair, which mirrors the dark and mysterious feel which I want to portray. The dark hair and makeup of the model is rather striking and I think when used in a range of poses, will provide a strong image for the double page spread. These images are obviously taken outside, which is not something I want to recreate, instead shooting inside although these are a strong inspiration for my own shoot. 

Music Magazine: Specific DPS Research

This specific research will allow me to have a clearer idea of what I want my double page spread to look like. All these articles include artists who represent the genre of music I am aiming for in my double page spread, which more gossip based as my magazine, much like BILLBOARD, covers all areas of music. I am looking further into the use of images positioned 3/4 over the page as this was the layout I liked the best in my general research. 

IN CONCLUSION, MY DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD WILL INCLUDE:

• One main image, spread across 3/4 of the double page
• The image to be in black and white
• Hints of red to be included throughout
• Pull quotes 
• Initial caps at the start of paragraphs 
• Column layout with substantial guttering 

Music Magazine: General DPS Research

I have researched into double page spreads to influence my own magazine ideas. I have looked into various different layouts. I looked into using multiple images of one model, using multiple images with different focuses and just using one image on one page. I came to the conclusion that I must incorporate the following into my double page spread: 

• A main image to draw the focus 
• A clear column layout with an 'alley' in between them to show definition
• Pull Quotes  
• Blurb introducing the artist/article
• A stand out title

Music Magazine: Contents Page Finalised

Music Magazine: Contents Page Draft

I was unsure on which design I preferred so I decided to upload both and see which I preferred. After placing both drafts side by side, I decided to use the black contents page as I felt this one fitted in with my theme more. I also felt that the white contents page was a little too bland and didn't have the impact needed for this type of contents page.  The black section of the contents page on the left also appeared to be part of the main image which I liked. 

I then looked at the draft of the contents page in much larger detail. I especially liked the top section of the page, the magazine title, contents page title and slogan as I thought this was rather striking, as I intended. I believed the images were consistent and the bright red, present in the main image, went well with the theme of red, white and black. I think the fonts, Egyptian and Adventurer, worked well and I would keep these. 

I do not, however, think the numbering works well as the fact the red numbers are above the text gives the impression of 'hanging' which is not attractive. I would change this feature to improve the overall appearance of the contents page. The numbering and the text is also not straight, I would have to line this up to insure the design element is precise and does not look sloppy. Additionally, the gap between the numbering and the text needs to be widened as there is too much conflict between the numbering and the text which makes the text hard to read and therefore not efficient as the key feature of a contents page is to inform and navigate.
The main issue with this contents page is weight. The page is extremely heavy on the right hand side, with the images, text and colours compared to the left hand side which gets lost due to the large amount of black text, despite the numbering being in colour. I am going to have to balance out the page, possibly by changing the font of the article names to a different, bolder font, such as Adventurer. If this fails, or does not provide the impact needed to balance the page, I may also have to consider adding another smaller image, as shown in my forth design, in the bottom left hand corner. This would certainly improve the overall look of the page. 

Music Magazine: Contents Page Implementation