Evaluation question 2

2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Gender

Here are a few examples of photographs showing equal distribution of gender throughout my photo shoot that have been placed into my music magazine. I decided to use both female and male genders to make my magazine gender neutral and so it appeals to both audiences to make the audience grow larger and more appealing. I portrayed them to look individual but also looking to set a trend too, as the deviation of social norms through the individuality of the genre is portrayed quickly and well through images. Throughout my magazine I tried to give both genders an equal space through the issues to involve and distribute both genders. They are portrayed in a smart but unique way with the young male dressed in smart clothing; shirt and suit trousers but his hair is long and messy making his style unique and individual to fit in with the main theme or the Indie genre. The female model is also portrayed in the same way with her long hair, fashionable dress and light but fashionable make up but her hair is dip dyed to lead a different identity.

Fig 1. Fig 2.

AgeAll the models in my photographs throughout my magazine are all aged between 16-18. But with the use of make up, costume and lighting I could portray them to look older to appeal to my target age range of 16-21. The way the male model in this photograph is standing shows his attitude to be quite mature but also playful with the slight smirk on his face representing the young maturity scale. It also makes him look professional with the clothes he is wearing and the hands behind his back so people will look up to him but wont take him too seriously from the controversial smirk. This model is 16 fitting into the younger target range of my target audience making people who read my magazine look up to this artist and be inspired by him and follow his style and actions. Teenagers are influenced a lot by the media such are music magazines because it is a easy way to catch up with your favourite artist in a fortnightly period. I followed this information up in my primary interview research and wanted to make it clear in my magazine how much inspiration means in a teenagers life.

Fig 1.

ClassThe Indie genre is relatively produced and aimed at middle class. For an individual and unique genre this maybe surprising but the indie genre is very well known for its artists such as Ed Sheeran, City and Colour and Jake Bugg for their musical talent. It is a very high skill to play and learn an instrument and to be well known for your talent. Playing an instrument is a high middle class skill to have therefore I have represented this instrumental skill through the use of props in the image to the right which is edited and used in my contents page. He is holding a guitar is a manor of playing the instrument but looking straight into the camera to engage your attention. The guitar is a classic make of guitar so it is quickly and noticeable to the audience. He makes it look easy and professional to play the instrument, and this is a classic convention of the indie genre, so it will appeal to the audience and inspire them to take the footsteps of a well known artist who plays an instrument well. Fig 1.