CD Digipak Front Cover Amended Photo Shoot & Inside Sleeve (Original Images)

After gaining feedback from both our lecturer and our peers, it was evident that many felt the image used on the front cover was simply not controversial enough to be consistent with the theme we had created and the plot for our music video. Therefore we will be re-shooting the image for our front cover, again using an outdoor backdrop and the use of props such as cigarettes and alcohol, but perhaps using a different use of body language and more effective use of props, to create a more controversial and consistent front cover. As we also produced the flat plan and design for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak after producing our first photo shoot, we also needed to take the images which would feature on the inside sleeve. Therefore, for convenience and to ensure we complete our media coursework for the deadline, we felt it would be appropriate to re-shoot the amended photograph for our front cover and the photographs for our inside sleeve at the same time. 

Amended CD Digipak Front Cover Photographs
Before taking the photographs for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak, we needed to take the amended photographs for the front cover of our CD digipak. As our initial front cover photograph was suggested to be not controversial enough, our main priority with the amended photograph was to ensure that it was controversial. Therefore to ensure this was projected, we wanted to have each band member taking part in some form of controversial behaviour.

Above, are the first two photographs which were taken for the front cover of our CD digipak. Although the angle and the placement of the camera was exactly what we wanted, after viewing the images, we felt as both Chelsea and Nikki (Centre and Right) were taking part in controversial behaviour, smoking and drinking, I looked rather out of place just sitting there. Therefore we did not feel the behaviour was consistent enough, between each band member, and felt the images were not right for the front cover. 

Amended CD Digipak Front Cover Final Chosen Photograph 

This is the third photograph which was taken for the front cover of our CD digipak.  

As we were unhappy with the first and previous two images, we ensured that all of the band members were taking part in some form of controversial behaviour, including swearing, smoking and drinking, to ensure behaviour was consistent. Therefore, we were very pleased with the third image which was taken, and will be using this image on the front cover of our CD digipak. We feel the angle and position of the camera is very good, featuring the band members in the centre, which will be the main focal point of the front cover. There is also a sufficient amount of clear space both above and below the band members, which allows us to place the title (the bands name) text onto the image without interfering with or hiding the band members. This is very important as we want the band members to be visible, as their behaviour is important to portray the right effect. 

CD Digipak Inside Sleeve Tester Photographs

After taking the amended photographs for the front cover of our CD digipak, we then needed to take photographs for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak. Before taking the actual photographs for our inside sleeve, we took tester photographs, which are displayed below. 

We felt it was important to take tester photographs, to ensure all the elements of the photos were what we wanted and how we wished them to look. As we had a selection of two background locations we wished to use, we initially took the tester photographs using our first chosen location, a brick wall. After viewing the photographs, we decided we would not like to use the brick wall as the location for our actual photographs, specifically as we felt the busy patterns and textures of the brick were quite distracting, drawing attention away from the band members within the images, of whom we want to be the main focus, therefore we will be using a fence backdrop for our actual photographs. We also decided to take the photographs during the day to see if this would be beneficial to our images. However, we felt that with such an exposure to bright light, the photographs appeared slightly washed out, where as we wanted our images to have a higher contrast and a larger amount of depth and shadow, to achieve a more edgy effect to the image, therefore we will be taking our actual photographs during dusk/night time.

CD Digipak Inside Sleeve Photographs

After taking the tester photographs for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak, we then took the actual photographs for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak, with the decided amendments from the tester photographs applied.  

Above, are the first two images which were taken with the camera. Although we had the correct placement and angle of the camera, and the model (me) in the right placement with the background, the flash on the camera appeared to be set incorrectly and go off too late. Therefore the camera had already been taken away from the model and moved from the correct position, whilst the photograph was taken, hence these photographs were incorrect and not appropriate  for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak.

After the first two pictures had been incorrect due to the miss timing of the flash on the camera, we ensured to check the timing of the flash was correct before taking each photograph. To ensure we had a good selection of images to choose from, we took around 2 or 3 photos for each individual, from a variety of different angles and camera positions and including a variety of different body language from  each individual. After viewing each of the images, and placing them onto the inside sleeve to see which combination of images would be the most suitable with one another, we decided the 6 images above, would be the least suitable for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak, each for individual reasons, such as for example, appearing too stylised, specifically when we wanted the images to appear more candid. 

CD Digipak Inside Sleeve Final Chosen & Edited Photographs
Below, are the photographs which we have chosen to use in the inside sleeve of our CD digipak.

We have selected these three images to use for the inside sleeve of our CD digipak, for a variety of reasons. We felt the selection of images overall displays a good variety of camera angles and positions, which allows the images to look different from one another and less stylised, emphasising the candid appearance which we hoped to had gained. Each image also displays a variety of body language, and each band member participating in some form of controversial behaviour, that is consistent with the type of behaviour they are participating in on with the front cover photograph, which not only emphasises the shocking atmosphere we wished to project, but also allows all the photographs with the CD digipak to be in keeping with one another. After selecting the three images we wished to use, we then applied a number of effects to give the images an appearance, as if they had been taken with a disposable camera. These included lowering the saturation of the image and heightening the contrast, to create a more edgy effect, added a grainy and scratchy texture, which emphasises the dishevelled appearance and a vignette gradual border to the outer edge, to create an almost burnt edging, again emphasising the dishevelled atmosphere, overall allowing us to project the chaotic and controversial atmosphere we  wanted to create, to attract our target audience. 

CD Digipak Front Cover Initial Photo Shoot Practice & Chosen Image (Original Images)

Before taking the actual photographs for the front cover of our CD digipak, I first set up my camera on the tripod and took initial practice shots of the other group members in the positions they would be standing in, in the actual photographs. This allowed us to check how far away and where we needed to place the camera to ensure the correct proportion of the models and location were in the photograph, and they could be seen clearly and were not too far away. It also enabled us to see whether the location worked well and the lighting from the sky and both the flash of the camera was sufficient, to ensure we could see the models and it was not to bright. 

Photo Shoot Tester Shots

Below are the two tester photographs we took. Here it was evident that the camera was placed too far away from the models, as too much of the location was present in the photographs, specifically of the grass, whilst the models were distant, meaning their props and facial and body language was hardly visible. 

Photo Shoot Initial Practice (Unusable Photographs)

After taking our tester shots with the camera, to ensure the camera was correct, we then began to take the photographs for our CD cover.

Above is the first image which was taken. Although the props and poses and position of models were correct, the focus on the camera moved due to the windy weather conditions, causing the photograph to become blurry and out of focus.

Above is the second image which was taken. Although we fixed the focus on the camera and ensured the camera was fixed to the tripod correctly to make sure the wind would alter the camera, the timer we had set appeared to go off too soon for the photograph. This meant unfortunately some of us within the photograph had  moved or began to talk, as we were not ready for the photograph.  However we did particularly like the pose and facial expression Laurie (end left) displayed, therefore we decided we will use this image of her on the front cover image. 

Photo Shoot Chosen Photographs

For the the other images we produced, the focus, poses and facial expressions were perfect for each photograph. The only difference between each image, was a slight minor change in the body language or pose by each model. Therefore we will simply choose the best image for each model, combining the best image of myself, Chelsea and Nikki, with the image we chose of Laurie above in Photo Shop, for the front cover image. This will allow our CD digipack front cover to look professional and help us to achieve the dramatic effect we hope for.

Photo Shoot Location Recce

Before taking our photographs, it is important that we have completed the recce questions to ensure we have taken into consideration everyone’s health, and everyone will be safe whilst taking part.

Are there any potential hazards that could pose a health and safety risk where your photo shoot will take place?

As we will be taking our photographs outdoors, there are multiple potential hazards which could take place. If it does rain, this could damage electrical equipment, specifically the camera, but could also cause electrical shocks if the items are to be touched. There could also be a major risk of trips and falls, over any of the props or equipment, or any other items that maybe left lying around outside.

What will you do to ensure these risks are minimised?

To help minimise these potential hazards, we will make sure to take the photographs on a day which is dry and sunny. However if the weather unfortunately is too change, we could use a marquee to ensure the outdoor backdrop is still visible, but the equipment will still be safe and dry. We will also make sure to clean the entire outdoor area first, to make sure there are no large or sharp objects lying around. The props used must also not be left lying around after using them within the photos, and must be placed in a reasonable place, such as on a table.

Will the time of day/weather affect the outcome of the photos? Have you allowed for this?

As we will be taking the photographs outside, we will need to ensure the weather is nice and not raining as this could spoil the costume and make-up of the models and not too windy as this could disrupt the movement of the camera tripod, however if the weather is too change we will have  marquee nearby. We will also need to take the images during the day to ensure all the models, props and details will be clearly visible in the photographs and we will not need any extra lighting equipment to highlight this, as we will be relying on natural light sources. 

Have you considered the background to your photos, particularly if taken outside? How will you ensure you will get the background you want?

The background we will be using is a fence or a brick wall, which is in a closed area of our friend’s garden; therefore it will be particularly easy to ensure we get the background we want. An issue which could interfere with the background would be the weather however, which we have addressed in the above questions. 

Have you considered lighting? What about the ‘problems’ of natural lighting, either outside, or streaming through a window? Will you need to use a flash? Have you considered reflective objects that might spoil the effect?
For the photographs we will be taking, we will be using all outdoor natural lighting. Therefore an issue which could arise, maybe, if the sun is too bright, this could reflect on the camera lens and cause the photographs to be very bright, making it hard to identify any of the personnel or props within the images, which are important in our photographs to project the right effect. Therefore on my camera I will be using a flash that is best suited to a sunny weather condition, which will allow the camera to take the photographs with as much clarity and precision as possible.

Do you need permission to take photos in the place/venue you have in mind?

As we will be taking the photos in the back garden of one of the group members we will only need permission from her. This is much more reliable as it is easier to plan when we can take the photos and the most suitable time, as she is part of the group.

Are you reliant on lifts/props/friends’ equipment/models? How have you planned that these things will come together at the appointed time? Plan B?

As the entire group will be featured in the photographs and the photos will be taking place at one of the group members house, we have all arranged to come together at an appropriate time in which we will all be available and the venue will be available. The camera we will be using to take the photographs is my personal camera; therefore we did not need permission to use this. I felt this was more appropriate, as I had knowledge and felt comfortable using it could and access the photos afterwards easily. The tripod which we will be using for the photographs, we have borrowed from the media department in our college.  Although these are rather easy to gain access to, it could also gain problems for our group. If the images need to be delayed and taken at a different time, another group may require the the tripod for their coursework, therefore it will not be available to us. Therefore we must plan in advance, when the tripod will be available to us with our lecturer. 

Photo Shoot Planning

Before taking the photographs for our CD digipak, we must ensure to plan sufficiently before hand in order to make sure we have the correct equipment and props for the photographs, our location is appropriate and each member of the group is aware of exactly how we want the image to appear.

What emotional impact do you want your photography do have upon the reader? How?

Rather than emotional, we would like our photo to have a very dramatic impact on the reader. As the music promo video will feature teenagers at a party, participating in very wild behaviour, we would like our image to be consistent with this, and having a shocking effect on the audience.

What personnel do you need? Who are you going to photograph?

For the photographs, we will be featuring the members of the band. We felt this was appropriate as it allows the viewer to identify with who the band are, specifically the image on the front cover by connecting the image in with the band featured in the video.  We also felt this would be best as young bands are very popular with the teenage and young adult audience we are targeting our product towards. Also featuring band members that are almost same age as our target audience will be more relatable and possibly enhance the gratification of personal identity, allowing the audience to identify themselves with the values of those in the band.

What props will you need?

We will be using minimal props, as we want the image to be very dramatic and too many props, could cause the image to be too busy and distracting from the members of the band. The props we will be using, will consist of cigarettes and alcohol, to be both consistent with the music video, therefore allowing the overall package too look professional and emphasise the shocking behaviour.

How are you going to emphasise colour?
For the photographs we want to use quite a large amount of colour, to allow the images to maintain consistent with the colourful layout and effects we have used on the magazine advertisement and the layout of the CD digipak. We will be emphasising the colour featured on the models and props, by using a plain and washed out coloured backdrop, in the form of a fence or brick wall. This block colour will contrast with the many colours featured on the models clothing, creating more emphasis on each person, to attract the reader’s attention to them. This is important as we want to attract the viewer to the  members of the band, encouraging them to notice the behaviour they are taking part in such as drinking or smoking, increasing the shocking impact we hope to achieve.

Have you briefed your personnel/models?

The models we will be using for the photographs will be the other members of the group. This will be much easier as they are aware of what needs to be done for the photographs and when they need to be produced, as they have participated in every part of the planning of the project.

What lighting will you need? Any other equipment?

To maintain the photographs realistic and natural approach, we will be using natural outdoor lighting. A piece of equipment we will be using whilst taking the photographs will be tripod. Although we want the images to look very candid, therefore the photographs do not need to perfectly straight, we will need the tripod for convenience purposes as all the members of the band will be appearing in the images, we need to have the camera at a high angle and we would have no personnel to take the photographs from such a angle. 

Where will you shoot? Will you need a backdrop?
For both the images placed on the front cover and the inside sleeve of our CD digipak, we will be shooting the images outside, using a fence or wall as a backdrop. We decided to use this, as we felt we wanted the images to appear more realistic and candid, rather then using a a stylised, studio background. A regular outdoor backdrop, would allow the image to appear like just a regular photograph, which adds to the realism.

Make-up? Costume?

As featured in our costume and make-up research, we will be using fashion and make-up that is highly influenced by the indie rock/rock vibe, consisting of grungy clothing and dark and bold make-up, which is very popular with bands and artists of the music genre we have chosen, which will therefore allow us to create a professional appearance to our overall package. As this has become very popular in the current fashion market, specifically with our target audience in clothing stores such as Top Shop/Man and H&M, this will also help us to relate to our target audience, and  increase the gratification of personal identification.

Photo Shoot Chosen Location (Original Images)

For the photographs which will be featured on the front cover and inside sleeve of our CD digipak, after discussing with the other members in my group, we would like to use an outdoor environment for the location of the photographs, specifically so we can use either a fence or a brick wall as our backdrop. Below are images of the two possible locations we would like to use:

CD Digipak Photo Shoot Location 1

CD Digipak Photo Shoot Location 2

We have chose these as the locations for our photo shoot, as they will allow us to create the candid style photos we are hoping to achieve, in order to allow us to relate to our target audience, who may identify themselves with the images that appear like every day ordinary photographs. These plain and block coloured backgrounds, will also contrast with the busy and bright use of colour, allowing us to enhance the personnel and props used within the images and allowing them to stand out. This is necessary, as we want to draw as much attention to the personnel and props as possible to emphasise the shocking behaviour. 

Photo Shoot Ideas

For our CD digipak, one of the printed aspects of our project, we have chosen to produce photographs that we will place on both the front cover and in the inside sleeve. For both the front cover and inside sleeve photos, we would like to feature the members of the band we have created, taking part in inappropriate behaviour such as drinking or smoking, not only to relate to our target audience but to allow all aspects of the project, the music promo video, the CD digipak and the magazine advertisement to stay consistent with one another. 

For the front cover of our CD digipak, we would like to feature a group image of the band members, which will allow audiences to recognise the band members and of whom the album belongs to easily. 

CD Digipak Front Cover Photo Shoot Ideas

Displayed above is a collection of images, which we like as inspiration for our image which will be displayed on the front cover. As the theme of both our overall project and music promo video, is focused on a party, we would like to incorporate that into the cover image, to allow the audience to identify with the theme, allowing the overall project package to maintain consistency. Therefore like the images above, we would like to incorporate aspects of a party, such as balloons, drink , dancing etc. 

For the inside sleeve of our CD digipak, we would like to feature single images of each member of the band on their own. As you open the CD digipak, this provides more of an intimate feel. It allows the viewer to connect on a more one to one or personal level with each member of the band, gaining aspects of each individuals personality. 

CD Digipak Inside Sleeve Photo Shoot Ideas

Displayed above is a collection of images, which we particularly like as inspiration for our images with will be displayed in our inside sleeve.  The behaviour displayed in each image, appears to be very consistent with the overall theme of our project and specifically the music promo video. The images also seem very candid, an effect I especially like and would like to replicate in the images displayed in our inside sleeve, as we would like to give these images a polaroid like appearance, this candid style would look more realistic.