Planning - Front Cover Image

In the task I have been given it is mentioned that I must use original images taken by myself and not from external sources such as the internet. As I am reaching the planning stages of my coursework it is important I start to think about the different images I can use in my front cover and if they are going to be suitable.

Image focused on an individual(s)

Some magazines often feature certain individual or a group of people, this is often used to help show the reader that the featured article within the magazine may include these individuals. The image is often one in which the reader can clearly see the individual, they are often centred in the middle of the page in order for the reader to focus on them and not the backdrop of the individual. The image may contain a subheading which is linked into these particular individuals.

An example of this can be seen in the Exposed front cover below. The two men are clearly the main focus in the image, with the text "Public Service Broadcasting"could possibly refer to a band in which the individuals are members of.

For my regional magazine an idea which I had for this could be an individual who has recently become a lot more famous stood near an iconic Sheffield Landmark. The article inside would focus upon the individual returning back to their home city of Sheffield and would include information on their career but also their childhood memories they had in Sheffield.

Image focused on parts of the environment such as a famous building

Instead of using individuals may also use certain landmarks or locations to help suggest that the content within may refer to that particular landmark/location. This is similar to using an individual but instead of the content being about a person it often refers to the location in question. These aren't often that common in comparison to using individuals on a front cover however in certain circumstances such as certain buildings being renovated, changed or removed they may decide to write an article focusing on it.

As my magazine is based in Sheffield the places I would use on my front cover would come from areas within Sheffield. An idea I had for this could be an anniversary issues such as a one year anniversary of the magazine. The front cover would consist of a collection of images taken from Sheffield which are slightly edited with effects. Images could include areas such as the Crucible, Park Hill Flats, Meadowhall and many more.

Images taken from external sources to show which areas I could use, for the front cover I will use images I have taken myself:
http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2011/aug/21/park-hill-sheffield-renovation
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheffield_Crucible_theatre.png
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1994609