What Makes a Good Publicity Photo?

- Colour Scheme
- Body Language/Posture
- Lighting
- Facial Expressions
- Composition
- Shot type/angle
- Promoting brand image
- Mise-en-scene (Location, costumes & props)
- Editing
- Conventions of genre

Editing:
There can be two sides to editing a publicity photo, the first would be making the performer look perfect for example airbrushing the skin or making them look slimmer to create a 'phantasampgrical body' Editing can make a really effective publicity photo although too much can ruin it. However it can be a great promotional tool if it matches the genre, the coloured paint effect over this Jessie J publicity photo balances out her serious facial expression which works well with the genre.

Body Language/Posture:
Body language and posture plays a major part in a publicity photo, in this you can see whether the artist takes a confident or more shy approach about their appearance and also career. As you can see Pixie Lott is promoting herself as a sexual object which would attract a larger audience especially young men. The way in which is is thrusting her body up could connote she is happy with her body and the way she looks however this could influence her female audience to want to look like her as her body is perfect.

Facial Expression:
The facial expression of the artist usually sets the mood of the publicity photo, within the pop genre the expression tends to be quite natural. The artist is generally seen looking into the camera addressing the audience this would draw the viewer in and make them spend more time looking at the photo. Robyn is seen looking straight at the camera which poses as being quite threatening, however her stern face shows that she is serious and passionate about her career. I think this is quite an effective publicity photo as her stare is very intriguing.

Mise en scene:
A good publicity photo has to have well composed mise en scene; the props, location and costume have to be relevant to the music genre. The mise en scene in this photo of Eliza Doolittle is interesting as the clashing colours and patterns bring a light and lively atmosphere. The heart shaped glasses make her come across as quite fun and child-like which adds to the cheerful mood.

Lighting:
I think the lighting in this publicity photo although the lighting is natural and doesn't appear to have been set up it plays a major part in the photo. Due to the fact that she has been placed with the back against her sun it is enlightening the back of her. This could be connoting that she has had a positive past in her career and that she is progressing well.