How does your media product represent a

particular social group?By Paige Marsh

Comparison

This is my magazine main image, I usedPhotoshop to editmy photo and I used a tungsten lightwhen taking this Picture.

This is an image of a magazine called top of the pops. It is a picture of Cher Lloyd and I suspect that it has been taken in similar conditions to my image and so I am using it as a comparison image.

Similarities and Differences

Similarities The image I have taken from top of the pops acquires similarities to my main image as the posture of the model is side on either to the right or to the left, but also they are both medium close up so the models facial expressions can be seen as well as the clothing . I used a tungsten light when taking this picture to give a very bright clear image. Due to the lighting on the top of the pops magazine I suspect they used a light similar to the tungsten as both are clear and bright without any tints, for example a studio flash gives a blue tint. I have noticed that this a is regular lighting choice as pop magazines always have the clear bright images. I wanted my model smiling as pop magazines have a happy bubbly feeling to them, this can be seen as the top of the pops image has the model smiling also. As you can see the clothing in both images is casual but with the aid of make up and hair style the image are given an uplift. The clothing in both images is nothing out the ordinary but also doesn’t give the ‘going out’ feel. I did this because my magazine is aimed at college students and university students and the casual look for a night out is popular rather than a dress and heels, this makes my magazine relatable to the reader.

Similarities and Differences

Differences The top of the pops magazine has their model with a lot of makeup and hair styling, where as my model has a simple hair which is straight and down with natural make up. I did this because I think it is better related to the audience as college and university students have an interest in make up but there is a popular trend to have natural looking make up. I emphasised my models features by her having makeup on her eyes and lips, this still gives a natural look which I think is more relatable to a college audience. I gave my model a larger smiler than the top of the pops as this is more friendly and inviting than a small smile. I think it would attract a girl social group to buy the magazine as it gives off a bubbly happy theme.

How does my product represent the social group

Due to my target audience being the younger generations, including college and university students I intended for my magazine to be relatable as possible including the main image. This is why my magazine has a picture of someone who is of college age and also why her costumes not as glamourous as Hollywood. I portrayed her like a college student so that the target audience was completely clear. In my opinion I think my magazine represents a girl social group that are between the ages of 16-20 as it has the look of a college student and clothing that doesn’t look completely unsuitable to be casual but have a smart appearance. The cover lines and a masthead help the image have a pop theme hence why I didn’t need flashy clothing on my mode.