9. Photography

There are a few rules for taking a good image for a front cover:

Rule of Thirds

This grid splits your image into thirds. The green dots are the intersection points which photographers try to place important areas of their subject on. Naturally, your eyes will focus on whatever is about 2 thirds into the image. This would usually be the eyes of the subject, which should be making eye contact. The image would be more pleasing if the item is located on any of the intersections. The best position is if the subject is along the right third, leaving room for coverlines on the left third of the front cover. 

Leading Lines
Using lines can draw your eyes to a certain area of the front cover. If you wanted to draw attention to a certain person on your front cover, you would use lines to draw your eyes to them. Using lines can give a sense of action, perspective and depth. Usually, with a band on the front cover, the lead singer is the most prominent on the page. Even though it is a 2D page, you can easily create a 3D effect by using lines to show perspective. 

Angles
Angles in an image impact the idea of size of the subject. It also has an effect on pattern, light and shade on the subject. You can have a high or low angle. You can also take the image straight on, which will still give a good effect. It can also give you a sense of emotion, or the emotion the magazine is intended to make you feel. 

Focal Point
The point that you first look at, and focus on for a period of time is the focal point. It is eye catching and is a 'resting place' for your eyes. The focal point depends on a number of things:

• Positioning
• Focus
• Size
• Colour
• Shape

If you use one or more of these elements, you will most likely achieve a good focal point.