Leave some space!

One reason we use negative space is to show a subject in isolation; small person or object versus big world. But there are other reasons, like this one. We do it also to allow the placement of text, like this:

And that brings me to a related subject. OK, not all that related, but whatever. Namely this: If you are interested in shooting any kind of magazine cover page, I have a few tips for you.

  • First of all, be very sure that your work is 100% technically correct. Focus, lighting, exposure, grain: all have to be perfect, or forget it.
  • Ensure that your work is in keeping with the magazine’s culture and audience.
  • Shoot RAW. That way, colour space choices (sRGB, AdobeRGB, etc) can be deferred until later.
  • Shoot vertical (portrait orientation). Magazines are vertical, after all.
  • And finally: yes, do leave blank space. Text has to go somewhere.

Want to be in magazines? Start by creating a portfolio of great work. Then do the legwork – and there’s a lot of it to be done. And meet all the tech requirements, or you are wasting your time.

 

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