The denotation of this photograph is merely a young, black male holding some College books.
His costume connotes that he is most likely very trendy as he is wearing young, in fashion clothing. He is also wearing a necklace which appears to be silver or platinum, signifying that he may be somewhat well off, or at least have enough to keep up with all the latest fashion. I feel his clothes also represent his status in the College. He is most likely someone who doesn’t have trouble making friends as has the typical “Popular” look for a College/University student. He also has a slight beard, which may be for Fashion purposes; however it may be because he does not have time to shave. It could connote how busy College students are; they do not even have time to shave.
His props, the books, also show that not only does he enjoy keeping up with the fashion scene, he is also a hard working student. The books connote his dedication to College and how he plans to make something of himself. They also relate to his race. In America it is quite the stereotype that young black people tend to cause trouble with the law and not go very far in life. However this photograph sheds the stereotype with the help of the books.
There is very little setting to speak of, simply a black background. This was done on purpose, in order to make the person stick out. It would be far less attention grabbing if there a setting. There is also very little lighting, however it does get lighter around his face. I feel this is to draw attention to his face and make his NVC more apparent. The small beam of light appears to be slowly growing; possibly connoting that College life may appear to be hard (dark) at times, although there will always be a beam of light to work towards, the closer you get, the bigger it becomes.
His NVC shows high levels of confidence. He has a slight smile, which may be small, but he looks truly happy, indicating how happy College students are. He has many reasons to be happy; the College life is a rather enjoyable life. He has a very cool and “hip” posture, slightly turned to one side. Although his posture indicates how cool and hip he is, he appears to be ready for anything. He is standing strong and upright, connoting he is alert backing up the fact that he is ready for anything. The confidence in his face reinforces the fact that he is ready for anything College has to throw at him.
The masthead is in Sans Serif fonts, thus adding to the young, cool and hip feel to the Magazine. Above the masthead, it says “Your guide to everything hot and happening”, which would give reason to the young, hip male on the front and the Sans Serif masthead. “You guide to everything hot and happening” also gives us an idea of the type of people who would purchase this magazine. Stereotypical “nerds” would not purchase this magazine as they would not class themselves as “Hot and Happening” and would not care about anything that is. Although, I’m sure that a few “Nerds” or rather “uncool” people would purchase this magazine in order to become “Hot and Happening”. Although it would primarily be people who are interested in the latest trends that this Magazine is targeted at, as they essentially have to keep up with the trends and latest fashion. This magazine will also be targeted at anyone who is interested in Dancehall, as the Anchorage states that the man on the front is “Dancehall’s bright future”. This makes his props all the more impressive. Not only is he a Dancehall star, he is still a dedicated worker. If his dancehall career doesn’t work out, he will always have his education. The puff also draws attention and makes people want to purchase the magazine in order to win a chance of going Paintballing. Furthermore, the Anchorage is what makes the audience persuade the magazine, as the audience will be College students, all the Anchorage will relate to them. For example “Make Money on Campus” will persuade many students to purchase this magazine as money is something many College students struggle with.
