Cover work for Ms Schoburgh's lesson: The Evolution of Britney Spears

Part of the coursework requirement is to carry out research into existing music magazines and explore the way characters are represented. Through your exam preparation you have learned how to analyse images through denotation and connotation. This skills will also be developed through your coursework.

You can clearly see the evolution of Britney Spears on the cover on Rolling Stone magazine. How are these images constructed to present ideas about the star? Remember, in the first cover she is only 17!

The questions are provided as a guide. If you would prefer to present your analysis as a denotation/connotation chart (using full sentences of course!) then this will also be fine.
Type your response up in Word and e-mail to Ms Schoburgh at the end of the session.

1)  What type of shot has been used and why? How has the image been framed/cropped?

2) Describe Britney’s costume. What does it suggest about her image? Who is this appealing to?

3) Have any props been used? What messages are they conveying to the audience?

4) Describe the setting and discuss the connotations of this

5) Are any intertextual references being made? What are the connotations of this?

6) What colours are used and why?

1) How has the image been framed/cropped? What type of shot has been used and why?

2) Describe Britney’s costume and pose. What type of relationship does she want with the reader?

3) What setting is used and what are the connotations of this?

4) How is lighting used?

5) What colours are used and why?

1) What type of shot is used and what impact does this have?

2) Why has this image been chosen? Is the use of black and white significant?

2) How has the image been cropped? 

3) How has lighting used to create an atmosphere? 

4) What type of relationship does Britney want with the audience? Is this supported by the anchorage text?