Women’s Fashion Magazine Photography Research

To learn how to shoot the right type of photography for my women's fashion magazine, I will be using the Adobe website: https://www.adobe.com/nz/creativecloud/roc/blog/photography/editorial-fashion-photography.html 

Understanding Lighting

The lighting helps shape significant mood and atmosphere, and also allows for taking great shots. In class I learned about the different types of lighting: low-key, high-key, and natural lighting.

The lighting in my magazine photography must be either low-key or natural to fit the vibe I am going for in my magazine.

Mise-En-Scene

The mise-en-scene are the body language and facial expression (of the model), proximity, blocking, lighting, location and setting, costume and makeup, set design and properties.

For my magazine photography, I'd need to learn how to utilize the lighting, blocking, set design and properties.

Composition

The three concepts of composition I learned in class were Rule of Thirds (grid), Opening Frame, and Closed Framing.

The Rule of Thirds (grid) can help with the positioning, balance, and symmetry. While the Closed Framing can help with centering the focus on the model.

For my magazine photography, I'd most likely use Rule of Thirds (grid) and Closed Framing. 

Experimenting with Camera Settings

As for the camera work I will be using my newer model of the iPhone 17 Pro Max to shoot the pictures for my magazine.

Of course, I will be modifying any camera settings needed to make sure the pictures come out well. I will be shooting in RAW format to later edit the photos.

Reflection

I am usually very good at photography, no matter if it's for magazine or regular pictures. I am confident in my ability to participate in a photoshoot doing the camera work.

Usually I've only ever used a phone to take pictures which I understand isn't credible enough for me to be a "photographer" (I personally have never claimed to be one). 

That being said, I remember using an actual professional camera to take pictures at an art museum during a field trip in 7th grade.

I will definitely ask Ms. Acosta for photography advice if necessary throughout this journey.

"Fashion photography is the way a photographer uses their own eye and perspective to highlight, curate, or speak to anything in the fashion industry," photographer Flo Ngala describes the [fashion] photography.

 Magazine Feature Article Conventions

Using this edited image I got from the internet, I will be teaching myself the conventions of a magazine's feature article.

(Example to Identify)

Heading

The heading is usually located on either page of the feature article, at the top right or top left. Sometimes it is even in the center.

On the example magazine feature article I put, the heading is located at the top right center. It reads: "A Fine Romance."

Subheading 

The subheading is usually located below the heading in a smaller font. It serves its purpose to inform the audience a little more of what the feature article is about. 

On the example, the subheading is located below the heading. It reads: "Straddling the innocent/sexy divide, spring's lush-lashed new look is powerfully pretty. Photographed by Craig McDean."

Page Numbering

The page numbering is usually at the bottom corners of the feature article page. It allows the audience to know which page number they are at, and it also helps them find the correct page from the table of contents.

On the example, it is located at the bottom right of the first page (left side). It reads: "220."

Text

The text usually consists of large body paragraphs explaining what the feature article is about. It is usually written in a story telling sense. 

The body paragraphs are also structured in a specific format. The font size is usually smaller than the subheading, and there should always be indentations to represent a new paragraph.

On the example, the text is quite lengthy with approximately 9 paragraphs. The first paragraph begins with a large "T" which is apart of the word: "this."

Image

The image usually features whom the magazine's feature article is about. 

On the example, the image features a model wearing a silky purple outfit.  

Graphics

The graphics are used to create illustrations on the feature article. Its purpose is to grab the audience's attention and make them enjoy what they're looking at.

On the example, the graphic would be the large "T" which is apart of the word "this" in the first paragraph. It captures the audience's attention immediately to begin reading the text.

Reflection

Before acquiring this knowledge of magazine feature articles, I had no clue or any awareness of what they were like.

Now that I have more insight, I am more prepared and comfortable with how to create the feature article of my magazine focusing on goth women's fashion.

Magazine Table of Contents Conventions

Using this edited image I got from the internet, I will be teaching myself the conventions of a magazine's table of contents.

(Example to Identify)

Issue Number

The issue number is usually at the top left or right corner of the contents page. This helps the readers know which specific magazine they've purchased or are purchasing.

On the example magazine table of contents page I put, the issue number is located at the top right corner, below the volume number. It reads: "13."

Issue Date

The issue date is usually at the top left or right corner of the contents page. This helps the readers know when the magazine was issued/released.

On the example, the issue date is located at the top right corner, below the issue number. It reads: "December 2014." 

Contents

The word "Contents" is prominent on the page, usually written in bold capital letters which makes it stand out. This explains what the page is about. 

On the example, the word "Contents" is located at the top below the magazine's name (InStyle). The font is in black to contrast the white background. 

Main Image

The main image is usually of a celebrity that was featured on the front cover image. They are the main subject and feature article of the magazine.

On the example, the main image is of singer and actress Ariana Grande. She is wearing a white and black outfit, which helps contrast the white background. 

Magazine Name

The magazine name is usually plastered on the contents page in the top left hand corner. It is so the audience knows who is the company behind the piece of work.

On the example, the magazine name is located at the top center of the table of contents page, above the capitalized word "Contents." It reads: "InStyle."

Page Numbers

The page numbers usually start at the left, and are before the heading. The numbers are usually in a different color and font from the heading so it can stand out.

On the example, the page numbers are located at the left before the headings. They are hot pink and in a different font compared to the headings. One reads: "225."

Specials

The specials are usually separate from the other headings so it stands out more. They are sometimes one off interviews or features. They are also an important part of an issue.

On the example, the specials are located at the bottom right of the page. It reads: "Features."

Headline

The headline is usually at the bottom corners of the table of contents page, below the main image. They are never placed on the faces of the celebrities. They usually give a brief introduction to the article for the audience. 

On the example, the headline is located at the bottom right corner. It reads: "Ariana Grande / Her rise has been fast and furious, but the 21-year-old singer has it under control. [...]"

Reflection

Having learned the conventions of a magazine's table of contents will help me with producing my portfolio. 

Now that I have more insight, I am more prepared and comfortable with how to create a table of contents page from how it appears.

Target Audience for Magazine

Target Audience for my Magazine

Demographic

Women's fashion magazines usually aim for their target audiences to be women, but it can also be for men and young girls as well. 

Using female celebrities and models in the cover image and feature article of the magazines allow for the target audience of women to connect and want to purchase. 

Artists, either male or female, use women's fashion as inspirations almost all the time. Whether for new style ideas or photoshoot ideas, and more. 

For example, the Seventeen magazine's target audience are 11-21 years old females and the GQ magazine's target audience are 20-44 years old males.

How & Where do Women's Fashion Magazines Publish?

From what I am researching, I can see that magazines publish by shooting the editorial and then sending it to the magazine to ask for approval.

This process goes for women's fashion magazines as well. The publishment of my genre's magazines is usually in print, but it can also be available online.

Truth to be told, one magazine in specific (InStyle) announced in February of 2022 that they would "cease print publications and move to a digital-only format."

I believe that print publications are easier to read whereas digital publications are easier to access. It is good to be in the in-between when it comes to this topic though.

How Frequently are Women's Fashion Magazines Published?

Women's fashion magazines are published depending on the magazine company that sells them. For example: Vogue publishes monthly per year, Elle publishes monthly per year, Seventeen publishes monthly per year, and etc.

However there are some magazines that have changed their routine and are no longer issuing monthly. According to this article (https://wwd.com/business-news/media/fashion-magazines-continue-decline-frequency-1235138387/), the monthly magazine seems to be no more.

Some Charts Demonstrating Demographics:

 

Conventions of Women's Fashion Magazines

 Conventions - Women's Fashion Magazines

I will be using my previous knowledge to showcase the cover conventions of women's fashion magazines using the Vogue August 2025 Anne Hathaway magazine.

Masthead

The masthead of the magazine portrayed is Vogue. The masthead is the title of the magazine, and what it represents when it comes to the magazine.

Vogue magazines consists of fashion news, beauty trends, celebrity styles, and more. They are also known as American Vogue.

Cover Image

The cover image of the magazine is actress Anne Hathaway. Cover images often use celebrities and famous people alike for sales and drawing attention.

In the picture, Anne Hathaway's picture is shot as a mid shot and she is centered in the middle of the magazine. She is also wearing a white floral-ish dress with a forest-y background.

Feature Article

The feature article of the magazine says "FEARLESS!" written in all caps and in a Serif font. Underneath it, it states "Anne Hathaway reinvents herself." The feature article is meant to be a longer article which is more in depth, and has large lettering to appeal to a broader audience.

The first and larger text expresses emotions such as excitement and amazement, and the second and smaller texts explains what is going to be featured, hence the name "feature article." The magazine is going to explain how Anne Hathaway reinvented herself through the 2005 film she was in, The Devil Wears Prada.

Coverlines 

In this magazine, there are multiple coverlines. The coverlines consist of: "Sarah Burton / Takes charge at Givenchy," and "Arundhati Roy / Writes her own story."

The coverlines are meant to be catchy phrases to tell you a bit more about what the magazine/article will include.

Random Number

The random number on the magazine is "+23" alongside with "More women making their voices heard." 

The random number indicates the amount of women mentioned that are going to speak about their experiences in the magazine.

Dateline

The dateline in the magazine says "AUG," which means August of 2025 the year the magazine was released.

Barcode

The barcode in the magazine is located in the bottom left corner, and it is for when customers want to purchase a magazine at the register.

Reflection

The magazine doesn't include any puffs, plugs, strips and banners, nor does it directly address the readers/audience.

After seeing the conventions of the Vogue women's fashion magazine, I am confident in translating a similar style for my magazine. 

The conventions in women's fashion magazines can range from simplistic/minimalist to extra/maximalist. For this Vogue magazine, the conventions were pretty simple. 

Research - Magazine Inspirations

Research for Brief

Women's fashion is a good genre to convey a message that speaks out to people, as it is a form of art. The type of women's fashion I will be going through in this brief is going to be goth, which is an alternative style. The reason as to why I'm doing goth fashion is because society isn't very much informed of it and only knows it through the stereotypes. 

Below I will present (and explain) images of similar subjects I'm going to include in the magazine:

Title/Masthead:

The title/masthead of the magazine will be INNOVATION. 

INNOVATION is, in literal definition, is the creation of a new method, idea, product, etc. In context of this magazine, it will suggest new or unknown ideas being brought to light.

Font Inspiration:

The font I will be using will be similar to the image shown above.

The mood I'm going to go for with this typography will be mysterious and gothic. Additionally, it will give the readers a sense of uniqueness with the way it's styled. 

The color of this typography will be the basic black color, with the tone suggesting ominousness. 

Image for Front Cover:

I wasn't very specific with how the front image cover was going to appear like. I got this image off of Pinterest and I believe it fits the aesthetic and style of how my magazine will be like.

Colors:

The colors are mostly dark shades, "usual" goth colors, and blue shades. The blue shades will be apart of the magazine's overall design. The attire/fashion I will present in this magazine will be black and first image shades. 

Fashion:

These images in the collage are randomized, including both women and men in goth fashion. Their faces are usually painted with white paired with black contrasting accessories and clothing. The top right image is a girl wearing "traditional goth" fashion. On the bottom left is a man wearing goth cowboy attire. As for the top left and bottom right, they are the more modern stylized take of goth fashion. 

Reflection

To be very honest I didn't know exactly what to do for these blog aspects of the portfolio so maybe mines is off track. However I'm confident with the way my brief is going to be like.

Research - Sub-Genres

 Research for Sub-Genres

Main Sub-Genres of Fashion:

- Music

- Sports

- Beauty 

- Women's Fashion

- Men's Fashion

- Movies

- Gaming

- Hobbyist

- Gossip

Top 3 Sub-Genres Chosen by Me

1. Women's Fashion

2. Men's Fashion 

3. Beauty

Reasons Why

1. Women's Fashion –– Women's fashion is a good tool for self-expression in women. It revolves around all outfits that are usually for women such as dresses, skirts, etc. Fashion for women can be seen as statements of individuality and empowerment.

The conventions of women’s fashion magazines include, but is not limited to: large masthead, multiple cover lines, cover image of a celebrity (as pictured below), puffs/lines, random number, feature article, and bright colors. 

Example: 

2. Men's Fashion –– Men's fashion is a good tool for self-expression in men. It revolves around all outfits that are usually for men such as suits, pants, etc. Fashion for men mainly demonstrates masculinity and grooming.

The conventions of men’s fashion magazines include, but is not limited to: large masthead, multiple cover lines, cover image of a celebrity (as pictured below), puffs/lines, feature article, and contrasting/extra colors. 

Example: 

3. Beauty –– Beauty is a way for both women and men to express themselves and appear "better looking." Beauty magazines are seen as a way to guide readers in self care, trends, and products meant for your face.

The conventions of beauty magazines include, but is not limited to: large/medium sized masthead, multiple cover lines, cover image of a celebrity or model, puffs/lines, feature article, and bright colors. 

Example:

Sub-Genre Chosen for Brief: Women's Fashion

Research - Genres Ideas

Research of Genres

Main Genres for Magazines:

- News

- Lifestyle

- Entertainment 

- Fashion

Top 3 Genres Chosen by Me

1. Fashion

2. Entertainment 

3. Lifestyle

Reasons Why

1. Fashion –– Fashion is an amazing art form that society doesn’t mean to appreciate fully. However, publishing a fashion magazine is already common. On the good side, I could always focus on a piece of fashion that not many people know of. Fashion magazines are purpose-built media that combine fashion trends, culture, commerce, and even lifestyle into visually driven products. 

The conventions of fashion magazines include, but is not limited to: large sized mastheads, contrasting colors (whether on text or fashion), multiple cover lines, feature article, cover image includes a celebrity, and sometimes puffs. 

Example: 

2. Entertainment –– Without gossip and drama, humans aren't very entertained. Gossip magazines always produce the most due to how people invest themselves in celebrity drama or fictional worlds. Entertainment magazines are considered a form of journalism on popular culture. They demand engaging narratives and eye-catching front covers.

The conventions of entertainment magazines include, but is not limited to: large/medium sized mastheads, cover image has a celebrity or fictional character (as pictured below), feature article, and a couple cover lines. 

Example: 

3. Lifestyle –– A combination of both fashion and entertainment, a lifestyle magazine can help out any regular people in making decisions such as whether an outfit looks good or if a home is nicely designed. Lifestyle magazines focus on the basic needs and interests of people. They depend on health, travel, food, and even fashion.

The conventions of lifestyle magazines include, but is not limited to: large masthead, puffs/lines, multiple cover lines, cover image of a celebrity, random numbers, and bright colors to draw attention. 

Example: 

Genre Chosen for Brief: Fashion