Evaluation: Question 7

Here is my response to the final evaluative question, which involves me commenting on what I feel that I have learnt during the progression from my preliminary task product to my final magazine product.

Evaluation - Question 7

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Evaluation: Question 6

Here is my response to the next evaluation question: What have I learnt about technologies from the process of constructing my product?
It is in the form of an Xtranormal animated video, which will talk through my response.



Below is a written script of the video commentary:

In order for any successful printed media product to be created and consequently placed into the current market, a vast range of computer and photography technologies are used during the creation process. It is a journey, starting with a general idea and image and then by using photography and various editing programs, the ‘perfect’ cover is created. The cover image will suit and define the genre of the music magazine.

It was suggested to me that I should use an Apple Mac desktop computer to create all my magazine artwork, I first had to learn how to effectively use the software that Apple has compared to a Windows PC. This was learnt during the preliminary task and I felt a lot more confident with using a Mac when it came to the final task. They are really efficient at running multiple software types and have quick processors, which is ideal for magazine creation. They are also widely used in the media industry’s publishing sector due to this. The iPhoto software proved particularly useful, as it allowed me to decide on the best photos for editing.

During the photography stage, technologies such as digital cameras are used to take high quality photos, to create the best artwork. From my preliminary task, I learnt how to manipulate light sources and backgrounds in order to make a photo more effective. I used more basic tools for the preliminary task photo, as the lighting was already of a good standard. However, I did learn how to use the ‘auto-brightness’ tool and used it again in my music magazine photos. I also learnt how to pose models to suit the image of the magazine. For example, for my final product, I posed Connie so that she looked in tune with her music and looked as though she was comfortable and happy in playing the guitar and singing. I also used the lack of eye contact in order to create a more interesting image, which doesn’t completely fit the existing image conventions and this means it creates a gap in the market for itself.

In order to begin the photograph editing process, technologies such as memory card readers and USB pen drives were used to upload a number of images onto my Mac computer, where they could then be viewed and opened for editing. The new Adobe Photoshop CS3 software is a highly effective program, which is used throughout the magazine industry. It enables visual editors to completely change the context and aesthetics of a photo, in order to suit the nature of their media product, be it magazine, newspaper or film. After using this program for the first time during the editing of my preliminary task photos, I was much more confident in using it for my final product task. I was able to open the image successfully and begin editing.

Whilst taking the photos, I used the ‘black and white filter’ on my digital camera to take the photo, which proved successful given the ‘rule of 3’ colour scheme I had decided to use. The gray scale of the photo was manipulated by using the ‘levels’ Photoshop tool, which I learnt to use briefly during my preliminary task editing process. In order to enhance the image quality, I used the ‘sharpen edges’ tool, rendered the light directions and used red eye removal. I had experience of these tools from the preliminary task. In terms of special effects, I used the ‘lens flare’ effect to add a more interesting visual effect and I also flipped the image horizontally to fit the layout of my front cover. The new skill I learnt during the main task was how to use the colour dropper tool to add a background shade to the palette and then I used a wide paintbrush tool to edit out imperfections in the image background, such as plug sockets and wall shadowing. I was also able to create interesting edited typography with Photoshop, by adding drop shadows, inner bevels and other visual features which I had used during the preliminary task.

Through using Adobe InDesign, I was able to create the basis of each of my products, including the double page spread. I was able to make layout decisions after inserting the images and adding the coverline text, which meant that it didn’t always match my drawn out flatplans, which I used a scanner to upload. However, these decisions were made during visual production and the outcomes improved as a result.

In order to present my evaluation work onto my blog in a dynamic and unique way, I used a range of computer and internet technologies. For example, I used ‘SlideShare’ in order to add a Microsoft power point presentations and word document essays to my blog and also convert them into online viewable slideshows. I had never used this software before and I quickly learnt how to use it. I also used ‘Xtranormal’ movie maker online to create an animated video which could audibly present my answers to evaluation questions. Alongside this, I used a ‘Prezi’ document to create an interactive mind map. These were all new technologies to me, however I have found them to be really useful and make the evaluation process more exciting for readers. 

Evaluation: Question 5

Here is my response to the question: How did I attract and appeal to my target audience?

Media Evaluation - Q5 on Prezi

This presentation was created online, on a program called Prezi, which I had never heard of until I recently used it. It's an effective and visually easy to understand program, which allows you to create slides of information on one page and it is also interactive and engaging way of presenting information.

Below is a visual comparison of my Launch! front cover to an existing magazine cover (NME). I have analysed the visual features I have used to appeal to an existing NME fan-base and this will increase the likelihood of target audiences for my own magazine.

Evaluation: Question 4

Here is my response to the question: Who would be the target audience for my media product?

Evaluation - Question 4

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CBS Outdoor Visualised Advert

http://www.cbsoutdoor.co.uk/Our-Media/Visualiser/Underground-48-Sheets/Try-it-yourself-48-Sheet/?AdvertId=en_GB_uk-02_67d343f0612c3cb8f19940c5719a477f

Here is a link to a visualised underground board advert I created, to experiment with advertising and see what mass appeal my media product could actually have. (The link above needs to be copied and pasted to be taken to the advert)

Evaluation: Question 3

Here is my response to the question: What kind of media institution might distribute my media product and why?

Q3 ev al pp

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Evaluation: Question 2

Here is my response to the question: How does my media product represent particular social groups?
I used a word processor to create the response, and then uploaded the document to 'SlideShare' and then used the embedding code to add it to this blog. This was a new technology discovery for me, and I may use it again to upload future evaluation responses, as I have found it to be highly useful and successful.

Evaluation - Question 2

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Final Changes to Front Cover

Returning to the editing process of the front cover, I decided to go back to it and make a final few changes. This included creating my own versions of band name logos, to keep within the 'original artwork only' ruling. I managed to find fonts that were close to the original band logo typography. As shown below:

the original

the original

my version 

my version

Other changes I made include editing the layout to make it more visually dynamic and just general visual changes, such as rotating the barcode, making it 'high quality display' and also changing the font of the price to make it easier to read. The placement and angle of the barcode is conventional of modern magazines and therefore gives a better aesthetic to my magazine. Above is the screen-shot of the final magazine cover, which I am pleased with.

Final Changes to Contents Page

After recieving additional feedback on my contents page and by my own decisions, I decided to add a final few edits to the page, in order to add more content to it and match the coverlines on my front cover. To do this, I had to edit the layout slightly, by moving up the bottom left image to create more negative space on the page, in which to place two more page numbers and coverlines. Now that I have made these final few changes, I have been able to finish my contents page and then evaluate it fully later on.

Here is what it looks like:

Task Evaluation: Question 1

Here is a written evaluation response to the question: In what ways does my product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

I have answered this question in the form of a written essay, with annotated images and other graphics to illustrate my response.

Placing My Product in the Media Marketplace:

Conventions of Real Media Products

In order for any new media product to be successful, there are some existing conventions that tend to followed or alternatively challenged and I will explain my thought processes in the creation of each of the components of my own magazine. I have incorporated some typical conventions into the creation of the magazine pages, and I have also tried to challenge some of these stereotypical features of existing music magazines. I am aware that my magazine is primarily aimed at a typical teenage demographic audience, however I have used the aesthetics and content of the magazine to widen the spectrum of audiences it could potentially attract.

THE AESTHETICS

“The visuals; the face value each page has.”

Colour Scheme:

In order to conform to a particularly common magazine convention, I have used a fairly strict colour scheme of red, white and black. I chose this colour combination as I know it to be successful and also appeal to both genders and the teenage demographic. For example, real media products such as NME and Q magazine use it in their title logo and mastheads:

The red is a particularly effective colour, as it is dynamic and grabs your attention. I have used it to highlight the main typography of my front cover, for example, it highlights the central ‘N’ in the magazine name logo and also emphasises the main central cover line and issue date. Black is a typical colour used in any media product, as it is professional in terms of aesthetics and also can relate to the more ‘rocky’ side of popular culture music. This conventional side to the aesthetics has been used to appeal to the target age range of readers and also reflect the new culture aspect of the pop music genre.

I have continued the use of a conventional colour scheme into the creation of the contents page. I have used a black gradient background, which suits the colour scheme and also goes against some typical background conventions, as from research, I have found that most existing magazines’ contents pages tend to have plain white backgrounds. I went against this convention in order to make the aesthetics of my contents page unique and interesting.

Typography:

I have used primarily sans serif, bold and dramatic fonts to form the cover lines and masthead of my magazine products. This is a code and convention of modern magazines, as they tend to use a range of about 3-4 different fonts to maintain a professional image throughout. I used a bold, capitalised font for the title image, incorporating the colour scheme into it. This is a common convention that I have utilized. From previous use in my Preliminary task, I chose to use the same font for the front coverlines and contents page writing, as it is quirky, aesthetically interesting and would appeal to the target audience. Some of it’s characters are edited to also make it more quirky and up to date. This is a convention of modern magazines as they tend to create a typographic image that keeps readers interested.

Images:

The front cover – I have used a black and white gradient image to form the background and fill the entire front page, minus the masthead. This is a common feature of modern magazines, as it places sole focus on the one person. I have used an image of one singer with a guitar, as this is the current music-scene craze, with singers such as Taylor Swift and Avril Lavigne in the spotlight. The main image is placed in the central ‘third’, which is also a common convention of current magazine covers. The model is posed in a conventional way; performing and looking passionate about her music. I have used the staple prop of a guitar to imply her musical talent and also appeal to the target audience, as the guitar is a hugely popular instrument in the music industry today. By adding special visual effects to the picture, such as the lens flare element, I have been able to bring the picture up to date and challenge a convention in that normally, media product images do not tend to be edited visually for the front covers, so I decided to set my magazine apart from this and add some visual effects to it. For the other images I have used, I included a two-piece band photograph on the Contents page. This is also a conventional use of imagery, as live acoustic bands are also in the current music lime-light. Differently, some conventions have been broken, as the images today tend to be of well-established bands in the chart. However, I have used images of younger, more novice music artists to appeal to the audience and create a gap in the market for my product.  

In terms of costume, Connie on the front cover, is dressed casually, however also fashionably, to suit the genre of the magazine. She is wearing a waistcoat style jacket with dark jeans and worker boots, which were a fashion item during the early months of 2011. In order to appeal to the target audience, I have dressed her casually so they can relate to her. Also, her dark clothing was useful, as I switched the gradient of the picture to black a white, which challenges a big convention of using colour images on real magazine covers.

For the double-page spread, I wanted to use images that bring the article to life, and to do this, I used live gig photographs I had taken myself. The current zeitgeist of the music industry includes concerts, with many big-name artists taking part in their own world-tours. After editing the 3 photos I chose to use for the article, I decided that these were conventional of modern music magazines; however, I have also broken a convention by using a camera angle from the point of view of the audience, rather than focusing on the artists on stage. I think that this gives the article a sense of inclusion for the reader and is effective as a result. 

The Name/Logo

After previous research of existing magazine names and the reasons behind them, I decided to brainstorm some conventional magazine names that could be possibly suited to the nature of my product. In order to choose one, I decided to not follow the conventions of magazine names such as ‘NME’ and ‘Q’, which use letter denotations in order to give their magazine a name. Instead, I chose a word that has music industry-related connotations and is dynamic and memorable, which are two particularly important aspects of any media product’s name.

Written Content

The written content of my magazine follows the codes and conventions of a real music magazine by covering similar topics in the coverlines of the articles. For example, I have included ‘exclusive’ interviews with artists, information about the music charts, details about up and coming music festivals and exclusive lyrics from mainstream albums (Lady Gaga). All of these types of content tend to be found in real music magazines aimed at teenagers and young adults. Also, the floating quotes and standfirst of the my double-page article are a common convention, as they bring attention to the written content and also make the reader feel as if they can hear the artist being interviewed talking.

Music Genre and How my Magazine Suggests It

The main genre of my magazine is mainstream and new talent music, which is shown throughout my product due to the visual effects and images on display. For example, I have used gig photos and staged images of individual artists and bands. In addition to this, the bands included in the contents page are suggestive of the genre. The mis-en-scene and visual effects of the images throughout emphasise the magazine’s love for brand new musical talent and mainstream music of today. Real music magazines tend to suggest their genre by the arrangement of their images and the band included, therefore my product follows the codes and conventions of genre suggestion.

Layout

The layout of my product is mainly conventional. This is shown on the double page spread in particular, which displays an exclusive interview, written in columns beneath an article headline and a standfirst. Also, the photo is arranged as the main focus of the page and the text is scattered with emboldened blue fonts, which link to the overall minimalist colour scheme, for professional effects. The front cover layout is also mostly conventional, however, I have challenged a convention of the masthead, as I have used off-set and edgy angles to create an interesting aesthetic effect. I have used these diagonal angles throughout my product to appeal to the audience and create a fresh new look for the magazine.

Feedback and Modification of Double Page Spread

The Final Double-Page Spread 

After receiving feedback on a draft copy of my double-page spread article, I was able to make some minor aesthetic changes to make the article look better and more professional. For example, I edited the size of the text columns, to make the font size smaller and therefore the paragraphs also smaller. I was also given advice to make the size of the coloured pull quotes bigger, to draw more attention to them. I then slightly moved around the layout of the text to fit the layout of the overall page spread. I also added page numbers in the corner, which correspond with my Contents page numbers. By making these minor changes, I think the double page spread is now at a final stage and not much more needs to be done to it. I will evaluate it shortly.

After recieving some peer and teacher feedback on the printed copy of my double-page spread, I decided to increase the size of the main article heading, in order for it to create a bigger impact and draw more attention to it. This also meant adjusting the text alignment and putting it onto 2 lines, to make it fit and suit the look of the page as a whole. I also increased the size of the subheading alongside it. A final element I added was the text column divider line down the centre, by using the drawing line tool and then editing the colour and stroke of the line to create a better visual effect. The line is put there to make sure readers can follow the text easily and effectively, making it more appealing.

This page spread as it stands is at a finished stage, however more feedback and minor adjustments may be needed at a later time.

Double Page Spread Feedback and Editing

Using some other edited images that I took myself from the concert I went to, I decided to add a visual element to fill up the negative space left over from the text columns. I added 2 basic rectangular frames and then created the effect of 'poloroid photos' by adding a coloured image of Bon Jovi at the concert on top and readjusting the size and display quality to make them look like poloroid photos. I then added a drop shadow effect to create a better visual impact, along with the rotation of the pictures and the placement of one behind the other. I then added a song quote to appeal directly to fans, using the typography continuation from the pull quotes and main article heading. I am pleased with the way this effect looks on the page and creates a good visual effect to liven up the content of the text.  

Double Page Spread Progression

Today I solely worked on the content, layout and aesthetics of the double page spread for my music magazine. Having already drafted up a rough copy of the writing content of the article, I was able to proof read the draft as I typed it into columns on the double page spread. As I was doing this, I played around with font types of the typography, in order to find one most aesthetically suitable to the article and the other fonts used on the page already. After deciding on a font that mimics an old-fashioned typewriter style, I then adjusted the margins of the height and widths of the text columns, in order to create the best visual layout across the 2 pages. Using the placement of the main image, I decided to carry over the surplus text to the right hand page and place it underneath the image. After looking more closely at the layout, I decided to add some text in the form of a caption for the image, which relates to the nature of the article and also add some brighter, more emphasised pull quotes in amongst the text columns, which is a common magazine convention I have found from previous research in the magazine industry. By adding these quotes in identical typography to the main article title, I was aiming to create a good continuous visual image for the page spread. These quotes are dramatic and draw attention to the text, creating good readership. After editing the layout further, I then decided to fill up the negative space left over. (See next post) 

Early Stages of Double Page Spread Designing

I have been given a new deadline; to design and create a double page spread feature for my music magazine in the next fortnight. Based on this, I have begun the basic designing by opening a double page spread (2 A4 pages) in InDesign. Using the skills from my front cover, I used a similar top rectangle section with slanted edges to create a banner for the top of the page. This will house the main headline and tag line to go alongside it.

Using the image I edited earlier on in the project, I have been able to centre the theme of the article around Bon Jovi, a band I am a fan of and know a lot about, and also a band that have been in the music media spot light recently. I have created a fictitious story for the article, as it will take the form of an exclusive interview with the band members and new details about their supposed up-and-coming tour. I have drafted the article and will add it shortly to the page spread.

Front Cover Progressions

After looking more closely at the fine details of my magazine front cover, I decided to edit it further, using a new technique I have recently been taught and learnt. I used the original header rectangle in order to create a more edgy and visually effective banner for the top of the page, to hold the main cover-line and magazine name and issue date.

I also filled up some negative space on the page by splitting up the central cover line into two smaller cover-lines. I used text drop shadowing to draw attention to it and make it look more visually effective. As I was pleased with the outcome of this effect, I also used it on the central cover line. I think that the cover is now close to being finished, however there are still some minor things to edit to create the most visually dynamic cover that I can. 

Contents Page Progression

 I started by editing the layout and text mostly, I then asked for feedback on it, to give me some things to edit and work on further.

After receiving feedback on a printed draft copy of my contents page, I was able to take on board the ideas given to me and dramatically improve the aesthetics and layout of the page as a whole. 

First of all, I paid attention to the negative space on the page, and decided to fill it with images with a red background to make them stand out and relate to the front cover image. I used the strict 3-colour scheme as a continuation of the image, creating an identity for the magazine and it's name.

Alignment of the text with their corresponding page numbers was an issue raised, and due to this, I was able to use the 'character' side bar on InDesign to adjust the height and positioning of the typography, in order to make the lines parallel, creating a more dynamic visual effect. I also added a few more coverlines and page descriptions to create a more complete contents page. 

Double Page Spread Inspiration

Here I have collected some existing examples of double page spread articles and layouts from various new music magazines such as NME, Kerrang and Mojo. By looking at the content and layout of these articles, I can gain inspiration for my own double page spread, which I will start work on shortly. I have been able to draw up a rough flat plan sketch of a double page spread layout as it stands, which then enables me to draft write the article.
Here are the images of the existing page spreads:
Kerrang Magazine - I really like the layout, use of typography and the use of images on this page spread. I think it looks visually dynamic and I think this will provide the most inspiration for my own double page spread.

NME Magazine - This double page spread is very vibrant visually, which suits the nature of the target audience and also holds their reading attention. I like the use of bold font types through out the spread and I also like the way that the text columns are used to fit around the images and appear not too much writing, so that the target audience will be more likely to read a shorter article which holds their interest. Also, I think the side banner section on the right is effective, as it has different content to the main article, keeping up interest and content of the page.

NME Magazine - This example is also taken from NME magazine, and I really like the use of oversized typography to create the article title and main focus of the page. The use of an orange colour scheme also works well as it is vibrant, eye-catching and stands out from the rest of the content in particular. There is a lengthy amount of text on this spread, which I would avoid. The use of one full page image is also effective, however I may not use this element, as I would like the content to be a bit more inventive.

Contents Page Work

Following the previous basic work on the layout and content of the Contents Page, I have been able to progress the work further and create an almost finished copy of it.
The layout I have used mirrors the image of the front cover, which is an effective tool I have found from research and it is popular with modern existing music magazines, so I have decided to utilize this in my work. I have incorporated the colour scheme into the contents page also, using a gradient scale black and white filter to create a background.

I have also used tag lines and cover lines at an angle to create a more visually interesting contents page. As the page is progressing, I am also adding some images that I have edited from previous stages in the creation process. There is still some more work to be done on the contents page, however here are some screen shots of the page as it stands:

1 -Working on the layout

2 - Adding more cover and tag lines

3 - Adding Images

4 - Adding more coverlines and changing layout

Front Cover Progressions

Using the image I have now just edited, I have used the existing image and layout I had planned and mapped out for the front cover and re-worked it around the focus of the new image, using the same features, just in different positions and at different angles. Using the same typeface for the most part of the front cover looks visually effective as it creates corporate image and continuity. I discovered this particular font in the Preliminary task and as I found it to be visually effective and suit the music genre, I decided to use it in this piece of work also. Using the angles in the picture, for example the angle at which Connie is holding the guitar, to create angles and paths/lines for the cover line text to follow. For example, for the central cover line, I used the angle of the fret board on the guitar to create an interesting visual dynamic.



This cover isn't finished as of yet, there is still more work to be done, but here are some current progressive screen shots of the work in progress: 

Photoshop Progressions

After choosing the most appropriate and visually effective photo out of all the ones I had taken of Connie posing, I decided to develop and edit the photo, to make it suit the existing image of my front cover layout and design. First of all, I used the 'sharpen' tool to create a more crisp-looking image. I then used the auto-brightness tool to adjust the light exposure and make it look more modern. After looking at the arrangement of the text I wanted for my front cover, I then used the 'flip horizontal' adjustment to turn the picture around, so that Connie was facing the other way, to fit better with the layout. I hadn't used this tool before and found it to be really useful.

In order to blank out the background parts, like the plug socket on the wall, the door and the skirting boards, I used a technique I was shown, which was to use the colour-dropper tool to pick out the main overall grey-ish scale background colour. It was then added to the palette, so I could used a wide brush tool to edit out the background parts I didn't want to be seen. I found this effect really successful, and I am pleased with the results.
Using the crop tool afterwards, I managed to cut out parts of the photo that were just acting as negative space that wasn't needed. The final adjustment I made was using the 'Render' tool, to add a 'lens flare' to the picture, creating a modern, photographic effect.

Here are some screen shots of the editing process of the chosen final photo:

Before and after the horizontal flip of the image.

The Final Progression

More of the Photos

Here are some more of the photographs that may be possibilities for my magazine front cover:

New Photoshoot Photographs

After planning to take another set of photographs, I decided to use my friend as a model for my new photos. I asked her to dress like a young, modern and up and coming music star of today. So based on this criteria, I helped her choose her outfit and then we used a guitar to make the picture instantly authentic and musical. She is naturally a singer, so I decided to take some pictures of her singing and miming playing the guitar. I took a range of pictures, using many different light modes on my camera, and also adjusted the colour settings so that some of the photos were taken in sepia and black and white. I am pleased with these pictures and after some editing, I think they will be more suitable for my magazine cover than the previous pictures I had taken. Below are some of the photos I took. I will decide next lesson which photo will be the best for my front cover once I have experimented with editing on Photoshop and InDesign.

Initial Contents Page Creation

By looking at the design of my magazine's front cover, I have been able to create a basic layout and image for my contents page. I used the same background and similar typography to continue the corporate image I have created for my magazine. By using inspiration from existing music magazines such as NME and Q, I have been able to create my own style of contents page, minus the images, to give information to readers about what they can find in the issue at the time. Below is a screen shot of the progression of the unfinished contents page as it stands. I am pleased with the image of it so far, as I have used a gradient coloured background to create a unique appearance and I've also used angled text to create a more interesting layout.

Dramatic Changes To Magazine Cover

After receiving informed feedback on a rough draft of my magazine cover, I have decided to make dramatic changes to it as I wasn't happy at all with the visual image my magazine cover and the front image quality was also poor. As a result of this, I was able to rework the layout and typography of the front cover, by removing the image and then using various InDesign features to create a basic layout. The screen shot below shows the layout of the front cover as it stands, with the improvements made. For example, I was advised by my teacher to increase the size of the title logo, in order to make it a more prominent focus point of the magazine cover. Also, using the colour scheme of the title logo, I was able to create an ongoing black, red and white theme across the cover and onto the corresponding contents page. Due to these decisions to change the magazine's cover photo, I will be shortly carrying out a photo-shoot with one of my friends who is a singer and guitarist, and then I'll edit one of those photos to create a more up to date and effective look for my front cover.

Experimenting with Image Editing Software

In order to widen my knowledge and use of a range of different image editing programs, I have used an online editing site called www.picnik.com - It allows you to upload a photo, edit it in simple ways, such as adjusting the contrast and sharpening the image, and then save it for your own further use. Using this site, I decided to experiment with my front page photo and here is a screen grab of the result:


The quality of the image is not that much different, however I have made some improvements on it, in terms of lighting saturation and size of image. The warmth and depth of the lighting creates a more contemporary image atmosphere and I may consider this style of photo editing when it comes to choosing the final edited photo to go onto the front cover.

Magazine Front Cover Progression

After roughly editing the front cover image, I was able to create a mock-up magazine cover and take a screen shot of it, which is shown below. It isn't at all finished, however shows the start of my thought process and the image of my magazine front cover. The cover lines are also just drafts, but also show a rough idea of the content that I will use. I have also used band logos to add a better image to my front cover and also grab the target audience's attention on the shelf.

As it stands, I realise that I have a lot more editing work to do on the front cover of 'Launch' magazine, however this screen grab shows the first stage in the production progressions.

Reasons for Image Choice

Original Image:

I chose to edit and develop this image, as I believe it most suits my genre of music magazine. The people featured in it look passionate about their musical talent, as shown by their posture and poses, and they also are young and 'fresh-faced', so they would appeal, as a band, to my target teenage audience. Their clothing is also relevant, as they look smart and have stage presence as a result. Although the original quality of the image is fairly low, I will be able to edit this as part of the production process to try and improve this aspect.

Photo Manipulations

After choosing a photograph to edit, I was able to open the image in Photoshop. Initially, I started by cropping out any unwanted parts of the picture, creating the focus on two of the people in the image; the lead guitarist and lead singer. After this manipulation, I decided to adjust the colour 'levels', which enabled me to change the atmosphere of the picture, and create a more exclusive and 'gig' atmosphere. After this, I sharpened the edges of the picture to reduce blur and create a crisper image. This combined with adjusting the quality setting to 'high' enabled me to increase the visual quality of the photo.

I then used the Render tools to adjust the colour and lighting effects of the picture.

The first filter I tried was the 'Spotlight' light angle. I was able to change the light direction, to create a 'warmer' or 'colder' atmosphere:

I then used the RGB lights to create a completely different effect on the image, as shown by the below screen-shot: