Research and Planning: Mise-on-scene associated with genre

Mise-on-scene refers to the arrangement of actors and scenery during a photograph or production. With this in mind, I am going to associate mise-on-scene with my metal genre to help me decide on my models clothing and facial expressions, positioning during the cover shots, prop arrangements and background scenery.

I will be using my metal magazine collage to use as a reference.

  

Models clothes;

Looking at the selection of model shots above, the majority of models are wearing black outfits, either a tank top or shirt. Even the female artists are wearing black short sleeved clothing. Tank tops show muscles and tattoos therefore I think the publishers were going for a sex sells approach. This idea influences me to also go for black short sleeved/tank top clothing especially if professional photographers deem it necessary. The shot types are usually medium-close ups therefore pants or shoes aren't seen in the image. As I am going for a close up shot of my model, lower body clothing will not be included therefore the model can wear what he is comfortable in.

Models facial expression:

The models in the cover shots above are using either one of the 3 facial expressions - smiling, screaming or stern/emotionless. As some covers include screaming artists, this idea influences me to continue with my screaming/broken glass effect especially if successful magazines such as Kerrang are using the expression meaning they must feel it makes a good cover photo.

Body positioning of model:

As I am aiming for the model to be screaming with a broken glass effect around him, I would like the model to have his hands on his ears with his elbows pointing out to give the effect that a sound is deafening him. Some people interpret metal music as deafening therefore I believe it's a good twist to include it in the magazine cover.

Prop arrangements:

In the cover photos above, some include props such as mics, chairs and even swords. However some don't include them which is the direction I am swaying towards. I am focusing on the facial expression of the model with a close up shot therefore there is no space for props to be involved.

Background scenery:

In some cases, background scenery behind the artists is a key factor for a great cover image. In my case, the broken glass effect is a foreground effect therefore to include a background scene as well, would make the image look too busy therefore I will not be including any background scenery. I will be positioning my model in-front of a background which contrasts against the colour of the model to allow easy Photo-shopping.