Evaluation - Task Two

How does your media represent particular social groups?

In the above picture, we can see a screenshot of a picture of the band Muse, from a double page spread in the magazine Kerrang, while on the right is the photo I have taken for my magazine's double page spread. Both are similar images trying to appeal to a different audience, albeit my photo meaning to be of a 70's classic rock artist, and Muse are a more modern rock artist, I feel the two groups are strikingly similar. 

Similarities

One of the similarities between the two photos are how the postures and expressions of the models convey the social group. The are both, seemingly, rather basic, but convey a tough attitude to the artists that appeals to and represents the social groups behind them. Another similarity is the lighting, as both are very well lit from the front and centre, and allow us to see the model's clearly. This gives an image of nothing to hide, which contrasts with a lot of alternate social groups which are usually represented as shadowed and mysterious. I feel the particularly well lit shot here challenges a stereotype of these social groups and shows a completely different side, especially in that of young artists and their fan base.

Differences

One of the differences in the two pictures lies with hair and costume. One of the reasons of this is the supposed time gap between the photos being taken. Muse are a very modern band, and thus have more modern hairstyles and fashions. When taking the photo on the right, I didn't want the model's clothes or hairstyles to contrast those of the time period the picture is set in, so I made sure they didn't look too modern. However the costume also differs in that the clothes that Muse are wearing are very different despite time differences, and aren't what you'd expect to usually see people wearing in, which sets them apart and makes them stand out. The clothes on my models on the right are more casual, and in a way just normal, everyday clothes that you'd expect anyone to see. Muse's clothes connote a more rockstar status to them, as they look like no one else, but the clothes on my model connote an everyday man sort of appeal to the model, in that the social group they represent can relate to them more. Another difference is the camera angle. While Muse's is on level with them, I chose a slightly lower camera angle to connote a superiority to the model's despite their common appearance, due to the article being about their high status in the rock community. In contrast to what I said earlier, through camera angles Muse are actually on the same level as the social group, but my models are portrayed as superior in a way.