Front Page Shot Analysis
On this front cover of the magazine Kerrang!, a large picture of the band "Fall Out Boy" is used. This picture is a medium long shot, depicting the band as friendly and welcoming. The two band members on the left appear happy and inviting, grabbing the readers attention to pick up the magazine and read it. However, the other two band members on the right appear slightly more hostile, showing the true nature of the band. Combining these two facial expressions may entice the reader further, as they may want to find out why the two band members on the right look so hostile, and may perhaps feel the other two band members may be trying to cover something up. This photo is clearly staged, and was shot in a studio rather than at one of "Fall Out Boy's" concert's.
The other images on the front page are shot as medium close up shots, as all you can see is their head and neck. Again, all of these pictures apart from the "System of a Down" picture was shot in a studio setting, showing the professionalism of the magazine. These pictures are considerably smaller than the main image, as this is to draw the readers attention to the main part of the magazine, rather than a smaller story inside.
On the front cover of the magazine "Metal Hammer", a large picture of the band "KORN" is used. The picture is a long shot, with the band being the main focus. All of the band members appear to be mysterious, with only one member looking at the reader. This member making eye contact appeals to the reader, perhaps showing his importance, and he is the first person to really catch your eye when looking at the cover. This is used to show dominance, as he is the bands front man. In this image, something has appeared to happen outside of the frame, and the other band members are looking at it. Doing this adds character to the picture, rather than it just being a standard portrait shot of the band. Using a long shot in this way, the reader can see everything, and it is easier for them to read the body language of the band, rather than having to guess what their hands are doing, and what their posture is.
On the front cover of the magazine MOJO, an image of Paul McCartney is used. The picture is a mid shot, showing everything from his waist up. In this image, Paul is pointing straight at the reader, as well as making eye contact. This is a direct mode of address, engaging with the audience and becoming more personal than the attention of the main image being elsewhere. This instantly grabs the readers attention, and lures them in to read the magazine. Whereas the other two magazines main image have been in colour, this is in black and white. This makes the house style more apparent.
An individual is portrayed noticeably different to a band, as they will be the main focus, and have no one to engage with on the front page.