What makes a good Publicity Photo?

The idea of a publicity photo is for the artist to be shown rather than heard and for their album to look good so that it sells effectively. Listed below are the main elements to consider when producing a publicity photo.

1. Recognisable image. This is crucial when creating a publicity photo, as the artist wants to stand out from the crowd and needs to be noticed. If the artist has a recognisable image, it is easier for their album to be sold. Amy Winehouse (above) has a very unique image, this enhances her chance of catching the audience eye and her album being bought. When you have a recognisable image that is related to your character, it is much easier to relate the particular publicity photo to this artist.

2. Lighting. This can be used to perhaps emphasise a particular feature of the artist, maybe highlight the eye colour of the individual or exaggerate the colour of the lips. In the picture of Jessie J (left) the lighting is used to be a direct contrast of her hair, which is effective. Lighting can also be used in a way to make the particular person appear to be more attractive than perhaps they are without the lighting on them. Also in this example, her skin is seen to be 'perfect' as all signs of natural causes are covered up making her seem beautiful. The black nail varnish against the well lit pale skin is another contrast and yet again is also effective.

3. Costumes. It is essential that the costume of the artist in their publicity photos match the genre of their music and the character of the individual. This is sometimes seen as the most important feature of a publicity photo, as this is the main focus of the image. Costumes can also be linked to recognisable image, as if an artist is known for wearing a particular item of clothing they will wear this and become instantly recognised for this. In the image above (Olly Murs) he is wearing an everyday t-shirt which does not look expensive. This could mean he is inspiring the younger generation to dress like him. The clothes he is wearing matches his genre of pop music with ease.

4. Posture. The way an artist positions themselves within the frame is important, they want this to be flattery meaning they can look the best that they can. As well as this, the individual wants to set a good impression to the audience about the character that they possess. In the example of Tinie Tempah (left) he stands up straight with his hands crossed in front of his chest, while he looks into the camera. This draws your attention to his face straight away as his eyes draw the viewer in. The fact that he is standing up straight show that he is proud of his music and considers himself to be a top artist in his particular genre. He has a serious expression on his face meaning that he takes his work seriously and does the best that he can.

5. Camera angle to create status. This helps with the overall effect of the photo on the audience. A low angle shot is used to convey to the viewers that these boys that make up the band McFly (right) have a high status and that their music is very popular. That means that to their fans they are seen as powerful artists as they can produce good songs and can be seen as a threat to perhaps other artists in the same genre. The natural light of the sun behind the boys, is used to light up the faces of the band, making them look more attractive and more appealing to perhaps someone who could buy the album. The shot with the sun in the background could also give the boy's a gentle looking image.



Other features that make a good publicity photo are:
-Flattering lighting
-Recognisable image
-Colour conventions to the genre
-Camera angle to create status
-Costume
-Posture
-Facial expressions that match the genre
-Background suitable to the genre and does not overshadow the artist
-Flattery in post production.