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

My media product represents the indie/rock genre and fits into this type of social group. NME magazine also represents the indie/ rock scene. NME magazine is the source of inspiration to the creation of my magazine and I feel that the overall look of the two magazines is quite similar.

The models used on both covers are conveyed in a similar way. Their clothing is quite discrete and casual. This type of clothing is used as they are presenting the indie genre, which is supposedly an effortless look. They also both have an untidy look to their appearance, again an appealing feature to those of an indie/rock social group.

The make up of the models are also of a minimum and not at all dramatic. As my model is female, it is obvious that there shall be more make up used but nevertheless the make up is extremely discrete when compared to other magazines that completely manipulate the image to give an almost false look, for example the Glamour magazine on the right, this magazine represents a completely different; glamorous social group and the image reflects that. My image has been edited in Photoshop to make it visually appealing but the make up has not be used dramatically as this would represent the wrong genre.

I feel that my main image reflects the careless, untidy attitude of indie/rock personas. The expression on my models face is quite serious. This suggests that she finds music an important and significant subject. And the indie/rock social group take music very seriously.

Another important aspect that both images contain is the direction of gaze. The images have both carefully been taken so that the model is looking directly into the camera. This is important, as the reader is able to engage with the model, which instantly attracts the reader at a more personal level, more so than if the model was looking at a different angle.