How does your media product represent particular social groups?

I have chosen to use an image of Sam Carter from the band Architects as their music genre is very similar to that of the band featured in my magazine. Both males are also psychographically and demographically similar so they would both attract my target audience. The postures of both males are the same as they are both standing upright but in a relaxed manner where the shoulders are slumped, both images therefore create a relaxed atmosphere. The laid back atmosphere of the images would attract my readers as both males are shown to be easily approachable by the use of the body language they are not seen as trying too hard or superior but are shown to be calmer and relaxed. The clothing worn is also similar as both males are wearing a checkered shirt with a hood, the slight differences are that I have chosen to have my model wear the hood up rather than down and a plain white t-shirt is visible underneath the shirt. Both images are mid-shorts where the whole body is visible. A mid-shot was probably used for the image on the right to show the other members of the band whereas I chose to use a mid-shot to allow the surrounding area to be visible 

The style of the images reinforces the genre of music included in my magazine as post hard-core and metal music are seen as rebellious as they go against the norm, the genre of music is then recognisable through clothing which highlights the important of the mid-shot. The location of each image is also very similar as they were captured at places where the target audience could relate as being similar to the places they visit in their spare time. Another similarity of both images is the gaze; both males are looking directly at the camera which creates eye contact to the readers. The hairstyle is also similar as both males are blonde and have a fringe going towards one side of the face. Both males are pulling a neutral facial expression to give off a “cool” attitude. The lighting is also very similar in both images as very little has been used, this creates a darker effect for both images which then reinforces the music style and the grunge theme of the magazine.

Demographically the two models share many similarities as they are both males and are of the same race. I decided on having a male on the cover of my magazine as I believe a male model would attract both genders; the model would act as a role model for the males and would also attract the female readers. It would have made it much more difficult to attract a male audience with a female on the cover as males may feel put off by an image of a “pretty” female, but a “sexy” image would make the female readers feel uncomfortable and therefore make them less likely to purchase that magazine.

My magazine targets the social classes D-C as it is most likely that my readers will be between the ages of 16-24 and therefore still in education. My magazine is more psychographic then demographic as it targets people of similar interests and those who aspire to be like the bands in my magazine. My magazine also targets subcultures such as “metal heads” and “skaters”; people from other subcultures will also read the magazine but my main genres I'm focusing on is metal and post hard-core music. Subcultures will be targeted through the use of clothing as each music genre has a different style associated with it e.g. post hard-core is normally associated with check shirts and tattoos whereas metal music is recognised through the use of black clothing and long hair. My readers would be inspired by the bands and would therefore enjoy reading about life on tour and exclusive interviews. Because of the clothing associated with each music style different clothing companies could be advertised within the magazine and discounts would encourage them to visit the websites and then purchase from them this would also encourage more females to read the magazine. My readers are mostly males so entertainment companies such as HMV and even Microsoft could be advertised as many of my readers would own a gaming console and purchase items from the selected shops.