How To Shoot Eye-Catching Magazine Covers
How To Shoot Eye-Catching Magazine Covers
When your main intent is to shoot a single image that has maximum impact, there are a few specific things to concentrate on:
FOCUS
Potential cover shots must be focused absolutely precisely. A great way to help obtain this razor sharp focus is with the use of a tripod. As I mentioned earlier, the proper use of a tripod will go a long way in helping to obtain crisp shots. I nearly always use one when shooting covers. On the other hand, I very rarely use one at any other time.
Once you've decided upon the basic composition of the image, you can simply set up the camera and tripod at the proper distance from the model and, obviously, it will maintain that position (taking care of this will allow you to turn your attention to other aspects of the image).
As with many photographs that include people, you'll want to focus most precisely on the eyes of the model (to be even more specific, you will want to focus on the eye of the model that is closest to the camera). If the eyes of the model are sharp, the viewer will usually "read" the entire image as sharp. On the other hand, if everything in the image is perfectly focused except for the model's eyes, the viewer will usually "read" the entire image as less than completely sharp.
At the very least, art directors and photo editors expect potential cover photos to be sharp as a tack. Nothing else about the image will matter if you don't get the focus exactly right.
COMPOSITION
With very few exceptions, you will be shooting potential cover pics in a vertical manner. That is, the image will be taller than it is wide. This is the format used by nearly all magazines (and most websites as well). It's also important to keep in mind that, most likely, text will be placed "on top" of your image in the final cover design. Because of this, you should compose images in a way that is conducive to having text (or other graphic elements) placed on top or around it.
Additionally, with cover shots, you won't want to have any items in the background that could potentially draw attention away from the model. In order to keep the backgrounds simple, covers are often shot using a one-color, seamless backdrop.
STYLING
As I mentioned, a magazine cover or website homepage usually features a woman whose entire photo set can be viewed inside the magazine (or website). Because of this, you will want the cover shot to be stylistically consistent with the other pictures of that particular model. For example, the model's hair and makeup should be the same for the cover shot as it is in the full set of pictures. Also, even though cover shots will often feature the model nude or very close to nude, it's a good idea to include at least one wardrobe detail that links the cover picture to the inside set of images.
I shoot about 20 potential cover images to accompany each individual set. With careful direction - and attention to detail - I find 20 to be enough. I take these 20 shots just prior to shooting the actual set. It's at this time that the model's hair and makeup will look best.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- Cover images most often feature a 3/4 pose of a model (her thighs and above). This is done for two reasons: First, a composition that includes the model's entire body would result in the model appearing too small in the frame to have maximum impact unless the photo is later cropped (however, cropping lessens image quality). Conversely, if the composition is too tight, the image won't reveal the amount of "skin" required for maximum allure.
- The model should have strong eye contact with the camera. Be careful not to overlook this detail. Eye contact is essential for cover images.
- As mentioned earlier, clothing is generally kept to a minimum. However, most magazines sold on public newsstands require the nipples and pubic hair of the cover model to be hidden. This can be accomplished in one of two ways: Either by using a minimal amount of clothing to conceal these areas; or by posing the model in a way that that accomplishes the same tasks.
I cover more cover details in my ebook, Money Shots. It is available at http://www.moneyshotsbook.com
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