Potential front cover photos

Front cover image

This is the photo I will use as my front cover main image, after asking the potential audience their preference on a variety of photos, and them all choosing this one.

Feedback shows that this image is of better quality due to the way the lighting falls on my model, yet I should tone this down a little bit in photoshop. Also it was commented that it was a more engaging photo as the model is looking directly at the camera/audience and is smiling, as if she's inviting the audience to read the magazine.

I would crop the photo, reducing the background 'noise' of trees etc, so more focus is on my model and the audiences eyes are not diverted elsewhere. A mid close-up photo would be more enhancing and engaging.

Flat plans

The main image will go in the centre of the front cover page and bleed out to cover the whole page. The image(s) for the contents page will be shown on the left hand side of the page.

 I came up with these layout by looking at various magazines. The majority of magazines print the puff and main cover line on the left hand side of the front cover, as that is the side of the page that is on show when shelved in stores. I decided to place the date, price and issue number etc on the top right corner of the page, as it is more out of the way and will cover less of my main image.

I have place all the articles and stories included in the magazine on the right hand side of the contents page, as this is the first page and side of the page you see when you open the page. The sub-lines will have a page number next to them, to indicate the reader to where they can read it. It is a very simple layout, but I don't want to overwhelm the reader, so I may change fonts and colours to make it look more interesting.

I choose to have my main image on my double page spread on the left page and have my model in the photo looking towards the article the title will be on the top of the right page above the article. I may include some quotes on the main image to make the photo seem more alive.

Risk assessment

Possible risk	Prevention of risk
Flash on the camera may hurt model’s eyes.	Check the flash is turned off or ask if they’re okay with the flash when taking close up photos.
When using makeup on the model they may have an allergic reaction.	Test a small amount of makeup on the skin first. Remove immediately if a reaction occurs. Check information on the makeup packaging.
Bad weather such as rain may damage equipment (if shoot is outside).	Check weather forecast beforehand. Bring umbrellas or sheets to cover camera etc.
If the shoot is outside, the model could trip/sit on something hazardous.	Check route or area where model is walking/sitting to make sure it is hazard free.

Magazine deconstruction

The masthead 'Rolling Stone' is partially covered by the main image of Rihanna; the magazine can afford to do this as they are well known and established, so the public will automatically recognise the magazine in the shops.
The date, price, issue number and website url is printed above the masthead; this allows customers/audience to find the magazine online, or buy at the shops, maybe at a later date to when it was published.
The main image is of Rihanna in a mid close-up shot, so she fills 2/3 of the page. She is staring straight out to the audience, pulling them in, wanting them to read the magazine. The short denim shorts that Rihanna is wearing, alongside her seductive facial expression, connote sexuality, and is used to aim for an audience that is more male dominated. Her bright red hair could connote fire, that she is quite fiery/feisty, which then links back into the sexuality.
The cover line or main story is dominated by Rihanna's life of sexting, bad boys and attraction to the darkside, connoting sexuality and a dangerous lifestyle.
Four sub-lines/cover lines are shown on the left hand side of the page, which is the side that is usually on view on shop shelves. This allows the audience to see what is included inside the magazine, and inform them on what the article is on.
The black font stands out against the creams in the background, catching the audiences eye, making them pick it up and read it. The red font of the masthead is typical of the Rolling Stone magazine, as it is part of their magazine's housestyle, which makes the magazine recognisable.