Representation in media
- 2. Representation in the Media • By definition, all media texts are re-presentations of reality. This means that they are intentionally composed, lit, written, framed, cropped, captioned, branded, targeted and censored by their producers, and that they are entirely artificial versions of the reality we perceive around us. When studying the media it is vital to remember this- every media form, form a home video to a glossy magazine, is a representation of someone’s concept of existence, codified into a series of signs and symbols which can be read by an audience. However, it is important to note that without the media, our perception of reality would be very limited, and that we, as an audience, need these artificial texts to mediate our view of the world, in other words we need the media to make sense of reality. Therefore representation is a fluid, two-way process: producers position a text somewhere in relation to reality and audiences assess a text on its relationship to reality.
- 3. Brief: Produce an image for a poster campaign to recruit teachers Different shots 1. Close up: to illustrate facial expression and body language 2. Long shot: to demonstrate the image/look a teacher should have Mise-en-scene: inside a class room with props such as books and equipment Bright lighting/ natural lighting- creates a cheerful atmosphere and focuses on the facial expression of the teacher INITAL IDEAS Interaction between the teacher and student Students Formal and professional outfit/costume. This will make the target audience believe that the teacher is confident and it makes a superior impression
- 4. Editing After cropping the image which only includes a student and the teacher I added a effect to make the image brighter. I flipped the image so that the teacher was on the left side of the shot rather than the right. The reason for this is because the natural eye flow of the audience is from left to right therefore the image of the teacher will immediately attract the audiences attention I added a ‘splash’ effect from the app I was using on a iphone called whiteagram. The splash paint brush allowed me to make the whole image black and white, with colour only on the teacher , focusing on the educator
- 5. Effects Final Image Other effects such as making the image Hi-defintion simply made the image look more professional and clear due to the low quality levels of the camera I used. Once I was happy with the lighting, contrast and brightness levels I chose the blemish tool to blur all out other than the teacher and student. This tool is designed to clean up marks on smooth areas of your images that sometimes appear if your sensor has dirt on it.
- 6. Final Image The set task was to produce an image for a poster campaign to recruit teacher. Therefore I intended to base the image around a teacher. In my initial ideas I thought it was particularly important to think about what the audience would expect. My initial thought was to include a teacher who demonstrates enthusiasm and charisma. The image is focused on the teacher rather than the students. The reason for this is because if there were more students(long shot) rather than a close up shot this can be interpreted as the satisfaction on teaching students rather than enjoying being a teacher. This is evidently shown through their body language and expression. Therefore I decided it was critical to either have a mid-shot or close-up of the teacher to portray her enthusiasm and passion in teaching. A striking image is key to capitulate the audiences attention. The image connotes that the teachers is relaxed but eager from her body language. Another way in which this is shown is from the teachers clothes. The casual but smart top with the sleeves rolled up suggests that she's comfortable and content. The eye contact between the student and teacher is very crucial in the shot as it shows the teacher is attentive . The bright natural light from the room give a warmth in the atmosphere of the image. In addition I included the typical props used in a classroom such as books, white board, pens and pads in order to construct an instructive outcome.