Publicity Photos

What makes a good Publicity Photo?

The body language of the artist in the photo is a major factor to how successful the image is at portraying the artist. For example if someone wanted to come across as strong and powerful their body language would come across in such a way that the audience will feel that they are strong and powerful with a high status. If the artist's body language is relaxed and laid back the artist will come across as such. Like body language, facial expressions can create the artist's brand image and help create the character they want to be shown as. Conventional body language and facial expressions change with different genres which helps identify which genre the artist wants to be associated with. For example the rap genre usually has the artist looking straight into the camera with strong body language which makes them look threatening. For the female indie-pop genre that we are researching the artist is usually positioned looking away from the camera with their hand on their heart. This position suggests that they are passionate about their music. In this genre when the artist is looking at the camera it usually suggests that they are powerful and independent.

Lady Gaga

Costume and props is another way of creating a brand image around an artist. Probably one of the most famous artist to rely on costumes for her image is Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga is recognised for her elaborate costumes and therefore as it is part of her brand image all of her publicity photos are her in these costumes. The costume of the artist can also create the illusion of  a phantasmagoria body as it can cover up the parts of the body that are not as flattering while exaggerating and drawing attention to the 'best bits' of their body. This can also be done through make-up which may amplify certain facial features whilst hiding the more 'less-perfect' bits. Costume and props help to develop the character of the artist and provides a basis to what their music may be like.

The lighting can also create the illusion of perfection. Dark lighting can create a silhouette effect which can hide any part of the artist's body that is not considered to be perfect. Which ever part of the artist is the part that people associate them  with  it is usually shown in the brightest lighting in the frame to make that part stand out from the rest. Lighting is also different across the genres with pop artist usually being shown with bright lighting to present them as being happy and energetic whilst rock artist are usually shown with dull lighting.

30 Seconds to Mars

Framing and shot type is a contributing factor to how successful the photo is. If it is showing a band the positioning of each member within the frame usually shows their order of importance in the brand image of the band, with the lead vocalist usually in the centre front. The actual shot type can have a large effect on how the image is received by the audience. If it is a low angle shot it will allow the artist to look powerful and make them seem as if they have a greater status than the audience. This type of shot is often used on shorter artists to make them seem taller. Close ups are often taken if the artist is portrayed as beautiful or recognised by their face. If the artist is not shown to be beautiful a mid shot if often taken. If the artist has a  phantasmagoria body a long shot if often used to show their whole body.