Props and costume for photo shoot

Initial ideas

Actual costumes and props used

Lead Singer:

As the lead singer I felt Clara should stand out against the rest of the band members, as is typical in many magazine photo shoots as the lead singer is often the most well known.So I decided to make Clara’s costume the most colourful. The purples of the skirt and tights underneath her ripped jeans are still quite subtle, where as the bright pink Doc Martens with the colourful laces stand out against the darkness of the rest of hers and the band’s costumes.

The ripped jeans are typical costume for an indie rock band as they suggest a carefree, laid back attitude as well as seeming quite rebellious which are both values of the indie rock genre. The skirt over the jeans is an unusual combination and makes her appear quirky and unique.

Studded bracelet - common amongst female rock musicians and is often a symbol of rock music.

Layered vests are often seen within the indie roc genre, especially a mix of black and white. I also thought the zip was a cool touch because zips, chains and studs are all typically seen in indie and rock bands, featuring in magazines such as NME and Kerrang.

I used dark eyeliner and dark lipstick as dark make up is very often seen in bands of this genre, especially females. Dark make up is considered as an important part of the rock image and conforms to the codes and conventions of the indie rock genre.

Guitarist:

In keeping with the monochrome theme, a typical convention of he indie rock genre, Beth wore a black leather jacket with black skinny jeans and a white vest.Tightness of jeans is a large factor in music genre, and skinny black jeans are typical of the indie rock genre so they would keep with my genre and the target audience would recognise and connect with the band’s image as soon as they see it on the cover. This is also the same for the leather jacket, a typical symbol of rock music.

The lose black tie with this costume is a way of taking what is normally a very formal piece of clothing and making it casual, which suggests the band are rebellious which again would appeal to my target audience as this is a value many indie rock fans will have. It is also a stereotypical female roc item of clothing, and I got the idea from the reference picture of Katherine Moennig . It would therefore make the band and my magazine appeal also to a female teenage/ young adult audience as they may feel they look up to or can connect with them.Wearing black converse which are often worn by indie rock bands. They are a classic brand and are very recognisable.

Bass player:Izzy’s short, choppy black hair with the slightly shaved side gave her the perfect image for the band – it is unusual and stands out, which are both ideals of the indie genre.

I used a guitar pick as a prop because it is what the band member would use to play and so creates the link between them and them playing live music which is very important to the genre and my target audience. It also makes the band appear authentic.

Leather jacket again very typical of the rock genre. Appears tough and casual, giving a ‘not to be messed with’ vibe which would appeal to the target audience.

Chain necklace also is a stereotypical item of the rock and indie genres again creating a tough, rebellious image.

Drummer:Used lots of hairspray in her hair to make it stick up and give it an ‘organised mess’ look, which goes with the ripped jeans in making a casual , laid back appearance which is typical of the genre.

As with a lot of the band members, I tried to mix smart and casual clothing – so Maggie is wearing a blazer, but with the sleeves rolled up to appear more casual and over a plain black vest and chinos, creating a casual, indie-rock but slightly ‘dapper’ look.

Li piercing again typical of the genre as many rock and indie rock bands have piercings. A lot of people of the age of my target audience have piercings as well so this would appeal to them by making them feel like they could connect with the band in the magazine.

Keyboard player:

Glasses go against the rock genre as they have connotations of being quite and hard working, so this contrasts to the typical rock image and because of this it conforms to stereotypical indie rock styles.

Ramones Band t-shirt which is a very well recognised rock band that the reader are likely to know about. T suggests the band on the cover are influenced by the band on their T-shirt, causing the reader to believe they will have a similar sound and so are more likely to like the band and be interested in it, making them therefore more likely to buy the magazine. Again mix of smart

blazer and casual skinny jeans to create the typical indie-rock look for the band.

Main prop:Electric guitar. The fact that it is electric suggests the roc/indie genre. It creates a sense of realism and authenticity, making them look like an actual band. It could also be used to suggest the live element of their music, which is an important part of the indie-rock genre. Live music is also important to the target audience of my magazine.