Contents Page Photographs

A trait that recurs in many magazines is using a different subject on the contents page. This is to introduce variation towards the front of the magazine in order to prevent repetition of one artist and the consequent boredom from the reader. Therefore I wanted to shoot a separate set of photographs (unrelated to my artist) so as to have a vivid impression of country music through an alternative story. This can also give the reader the chance to denote different opinions from the new story being promoted.

I need something that isn't necessarily related to the cover image but possibly a continuation of its themes or a topic mentioned in the cover lines. Having already mentioned the possibility of using my grandad as an elderly artist, his visit fortunately coincided with the production of my magazine and so I was able to collect some photographs. It should be noted that when I include him on the contents page, his presence should be compared to the likes of Johnny Cash. 

As a first impression, these two shots were an introduction to the classic, generational difference in country music. The mid shot is intended to be at eye-level from a frontal perspective because most of my other photographs have been at an angle that engages depth to the framing of the image. By doing this we can visualise a more traditional, coordinated photograph that acts as a contrast to my other, more ambitious shots. Additionally the flat cap, striped shirt and overcoat all boast an old-fashioned elegance that embraces the traditional variation. 

One problem I have with these two photographs is the lighting. Despite the wall being a pale shade, the dullness of the room creates a fuzzy, overshadowed tone on the contrast between the subject and the backdrop. 

To balance the overcast lighting, I placed my grandad in front of an open fire in order to present the mise en scene as the justification of the lighting effect. For me this expresses a connection between the current subject and my other artist. The tools and blazing fire can be related to the theme of labour and how country folk tend to follow a traditional working lifestyle. Furthermore I prefer my grandad's facial expression since it connotes contentment. 

These two are definitely the best in terms of the lighting. With the camera directly in front of the fire, it acts as a backlight towards the overall composition. This time the flames are less imposing but still visibly present. 

Moreover my grandad looks better suited to the circumstance. Specifically in his expressions, he appears to be in a state of humble wisdom, as if his inclusion in the magazine is something of a marvel. Much like the photos on the farm it doesn't promote wealth, but contentment. 

To finish, these shots fill up the frame with the open fire and a mid-shot/close up of the subject. The closer the shot is, the more prominence the subject is given and consequently, the more significance. My grandad's visual impact is thus enhanced by the implication that scale reflects importance. 

The fire illuminates the backdrop and since the composition has become compacted the flames are also given significance, allowing the reader to derive their own themes and interpretations. Principally, I would like it to reflect how age doesn't necessarily lead to weariness, where the fire above represents energy.