LO4: Review of assets

MANDALA DESIGNS:

DESIGN 1:

DESIGN 2:

DESIGN 3:

Here are a few of the mandala designs in which I managed to remember to take screenshots of when creating the graphics. I used the technical brush tool, which is found in the inking section on Procreate.

I have chosen to use the brush as it acts in a way of it being free and presents as its actually henna, allowing me to be free with the design by using a flowing, smooth inking brush.

FRONT COVER MAST HEAD: 

For my final version of my front cover masthead I wanted it to stand out, and for it to be bold and to look professional. For the succeed this vision, I've decided to use the font 'Classy' for the word 'The' and the font 'Elegant' for the word 'Baraat'. I made the word "The" in the colour white and then duplicated the layer to create a gaussian blur effect allowing the white text to glow. I wanted the word "Baraat" to compliment well with the word "The" so I made that in the colour gold. I added a royalty free image of gold and clipping masked over the word "Baraat". Since my magazine is targeted towards males and female young South Asians aged 18-25 years old I wanted the mast head to appeal to both genders such as using colour combinations that will fit both genders. I have made the font big enough for it to seen from a far distance to create a wider audience and to increase its recognition from my audience. 

The mast head will be the first focus point from the audience when they first see the magazine. Therefore it was vital for me to create a contract between both of the use of the colours of the mast head, making it appeal to both genders and for to make it stand out such as adding a gaussian blur effect on the word "The" and white a drop shadow on the word "Baraat" to add more depth on the word "Baraat" and make it more visible against the background. 

In my opinion, the finished look of my mast head fits very well with the genre of my magazine and it being appeal to my target audience, However, If I will make any adjustments, I would make the drop shadow of the word "Baraat" more bright, and making it more visible from a distance. Overall, the look of my mast head match my expectations of the vision that I wanted to go for. 

FRONT COVER BACKGROUND:

I took this photo of the couple, Kaleem and Thaiba on their wedding day for my main cover image. I have chosen this photo of the couple on their wedding day dressed in Pakistani, traditional wedding attire. I used my  instax mini evo and my smart phone for me to capture the intricate shots throughout Kaleem and Thaiba's wedding week. This is the edited version in which I used procreate to adjust the hues, saturation and brightness to match the setting tone of the pose that I demonstrated Kaleem and Thaiba to do for the shot and to create a warm tone to connote the meaning of the head rest of pose. The head rest pose connotes the idea of expressing love and security. I captured different shots of the pose and seeing which was one the best perfect shot for me to use for my main cover image. 

As I was capturing photos of the bride and and groom on their wedding day for me to use in my magazine, I needed some time for me to be able to set up my materials needed to capture my shots. On the wedding day I used the time of when the guests were getting served with food for me to the capture the couple shots of the bride and groom. As I have chosen to choose this time of the event, I managed to have a lot of time for me to set up my materials and to be able to capture as many photos as needed for me to capture photos of the bride and groom. 

Overall, I love the final image of what I have chosen for my main cover image for the front cover. I didn't use a lot of editing, as because I wanted the connotations and the image in general to be authentic illustrating the love between the couple. If my audience were interested to read a South Asian wedding magazine, they will know from my main cover image that my magazine will be a wedding magazine due to me presenting my two models on the main cover image, keeping it minimal with the editing allowing it to be visible towards my audience. 

FRONTY COVER: MANDALA DESIGN | PROMOTION:

I the images above, I added a circle mandala design in the colour gold to connote the idea of it to look professional and elegant. However, the gold didn't stand a lot so I duplicated the layer and made the design white to lighten up the gold design and to make it stand out against the background image of the front cover. 

In the middle of the design, I coloured the centre in burgundy red to connote the idea of it to look traditional and to match the theme of a Pakistani wedding magazine. 

Lastly,  I used the colour white and the font "Classy Vogue" for the whole text, but I wanted the buzz word "Win" to stand out and to draw my audience attention so I used the font "Deluce" which I downloaded on DaFont and imported it onto procreate.

FRONT COVER MANDALA DESIGNS:

Throughout my pages of my magazine, I illustrated mandala designs on Procreate that I will be using to enhance the look of each page and for it to develop the look for each page and to draw out its audience. I have used the colour white for this mandala design on my front cover page because the idea of it being professional and also it stands out a lot on the dark background. I have chosen to use the round mandala designs on my front cover to connote the idea of togetherness, team and unity. 

For the mandala designs, I used a soft airbrush eraser for the ends of the design to create the idea of it being continuous and never ending and for it to stand out and look like it was visible in the shot. 

I have used mandala designs on my front cover so that it will easily attract my target audience because of the cultural South Asian mandala art. I used mandala art because it also relates to the traditional South Asian work on the outfits. The artwork is very important on the outfits because you would like it to stand out as because you would like to be the one where all eyes on you as it's their special day. You would like to stand out and to be bold, intricate heavy outfits as because its your wedding day and you will like to look glowing for your main event and for you to always look back and the amazing memories captured. 

If I could change anything for the mandala designs, I would've duplicated the designs and created a gaussian blur to it the bottom layer to create a glowing white effect on the mandala designs to make them stand out against the background. 

CONTENTS PAGE BACKGROUND: 

For the main cover image for my contents page, I used images of the models presenting in magazine in their cultural wedding outfits in which they wore on their events. I wanted to add images of my models on their different events to give my audience a teaser of what they looked like on their wedding week.

Once I have selected the best photos in which I had taken of my models, I lowered the opacity of each image to whiten the image more and to not show its full true colours as its a teaser for the audience. 

I've decided to use different images of my models on their different events to symbolise the vibes of each event towards my audience in which can help them during their wedding planning. For example, for their Nikkah, they kept in simplistic white and gold, for their Mehndi they went for bold energetic colours matching the colourful, party vibe and then for their main wedding day, they went for a majestic, elegant look with the traditional colours of black and red. 

If I could change one thing about the main cover image for the contents page, I would've made each picture more lower in opacity because I think it still shows quite much of the image as I wanted it to be more discreet.

CONTENTS PAGE NUMBER ASSET & TITLE BANNER:

I wanted the number graphics to be large and for them to contrast well with the background on the contents page. I firstly had to visit DaFont to install the fonts "Classy" and "Elegant" on to my iPad so that I was able to continuously use the same fonts throughout my magazine, maintaining synergy.

I used a pre installed font on Procreate called "Cochin". I've chosen this font for the title "Contents" and also for every text presented on this page because it connotes the idea of it being professional and simplicity.

I have also chosen the colour white to connote the idea of it to stand out and to create contrast whilst it being on top of the background image and making it very visible to my audience. 

In this image, it illustrates be presenting the font "Cochin" being used for the headings of the titles of the page. I wanted to use the font "Cochin" because it connotes the idea of it being simplicity and professional. I also used the same of the body text, a short description of what the page is about. 

Again, I used the colour white for the headings and the descriptions and duplicated each layer and filled in black and created a gaussian blur to give the whit text more depth and to make it stand out on the contents page background. 

If I could change anything about the text, I would've made the white headings and the descriptions black shadow more darker, so that it will be a lot more visible for a further distance. 

DHOLKI IMAGES:

I took both photos presented above and shown the edits I've adjusted for both images. As mentioned, traditionally women lead the Dholki event which is why it made sense for me to add a picture of the bride and not the groom as because all the men were there for a limited for time so that the women could dance, sing and to enjoy the event. I want to include a decor in my magazine in which we had at the Dholki, which were signs we used for a Photo Booth.

DHOLKI MANDALA DESIGN & RECTANGLE BORDER:

In my magazine, throughout my pages I wanted to interpret my culture and gain my audiences interest to read my magazine and to illustrate my pages related to the genre of my magazine. I wanted to include different designs/patterns of mandala designs. I wanted to include mandala designs because as mentioned a few times, South Asian art is so important during the wedding week. It is important because South Asian art is used on all bridal and grooms outfits and picking out your outfit to wear on your special day is very important. This is because you both would like to outshine guests and to receive all the attention at the venue as it's your special day. And that is why South Asian art is very important because you would like your outfits to be elegant and bold. 

DHOLKI TEXT:

On the left hand side, I added the text "DHOLKI" in the font "Didot because there was a lot of white space after I added the mandala design. I also added the text "DHOLKI" to give the page a title and so that the audience will know that this page is about the Dholki event.

I also added a soft colour of burgundy in the bottom left corner which the brush "soft airbrush" to fill in more of the white space and to make the Dholki to stand out.

I used the colour Burgundy for the colour of rectangle border, the text "Dholki" and for the mandala design because I wanted to match the colour for the prop decor and the brides intricate scarf which she is wearing in the image above. 

MEHNDI IMAGES:

Above presents my models on their Mehndi day, dressed in their traditional bold coloured outfits. I also adjust the hue, saturation and the brightness on the portrait images on my models to enhance the look of the images.

MEHNDI BORDER & MANDALA DESIGNS:

In the images above, presents the rectangle border frames and the mandala designs in which I used for the Mehdi page. I used the rectangles of the Mehndi page to match the colours of the brides and grooms outfit on their Mehndi. For the brides Mehndi article, I used the colour orange because of her traditional Mehndi bridal dress that she wore. The colour orange connotes the idea of happiness and warmth, which is why I wanted the interpret the colour orange as well with the mandala design below her article. 

For Kaleem's Mehndi I also interpret the colours of the rectangle border and the mandala design in colour blue to contrast well with the colour of his Mehndi outfit. I wanted the colours of the rectangle border frames and the mandala designs to match both of their outfits to make the page to stand out and for it to visible to my audience on which article is for who because of the matching colour scheme of their Mehndi. 

WEDDING IMAGES:

These 3 photos of the image in which I will be using for the final page in my magazine, which is their wedding day. These three images state the first one being of Kaleem during his Baraat. A Baraat is the time of the event when the groom makes his entrance and for him to pay the brides family (mainly sisters) for him to past the entrance. Paying the brides family connotes the idea of Kaleem giving back to the brides family for taking away the bride and to have full protection for the bride when taking her away from her family. 

The second picture states a picture of the bride in the car and ready to make her entrance. A bride making her entrance with both of her parents by her side and ready to give her away and making it now her husband's responsibility to look after their daughter. The bride reveals her traditional outfits and all the eyes get panned towards her and then the groom who takes her hand away from her parents and to start their new journey together. 

The last image presents the bride and groom smiling at each other and presenting the "we made it" moment. Looking at the partner of their dreams but no know sat down embracing the newly wed couple knows the struggles and the hardships in which the couple had been through for them to be standing on the stage getting married to each other. 

WEDDING RECTANGLE BORERS:

In this image above, presents me layering out the images I wanted to add to my final DPS and to also present where the rectangle banner frames for the articles will be displayed on the DPS.

For the rectangle banner frames, I wanted to present them in the colour plum red so that it contrasts well with the images I have chosen and for it to also contrast well with the outfits my models have wore on their wedding day. I wanted the wedding DPS to look traditional and elegant, so choosing this deep/plum red was the perfect colour for me to use for the rectangle banner frames. The colour red connotes the meaning of love and prosperity. The colour plum red also stands out a lot against the white background which makes it more elegant and more of a clear vision for the audience and that nothing looks cramped and all over the place. 

WEDDING MANDALA DESIGN:

In this image, I have added mandala designs to my DPS. I have decided to add mandala designs to my DPS because I think it enhances the whole look of the final DPS and that it reveals the genre of my magazine and making the DPS very cultured with the use of South Asian art. 

LO3: Code and Conventions

FRONT COVER:

As the genre that I have created for this unit is for a niche audience, which is a Pakistani wedding, I have chosen this similar traditional Pakistani wedding magazine front cover for me to discuss the codes and conventions. 

One convention in which I will be talking about is the main cover image of the front cover. It is commonly used by many Pakistani wedding magazines that they present a medium close up image of the models. This is because it illustrates the authentic emotions on the models faces, and also presents the fine intricate details on the models traditional wedding attire. I have also chosen to use a medium close up of my models for the front cover of my magazine because it connotes the idea of it being importance and to illustrate the pure emotions on my models face on their main wedding day, as well presenting their traditional regal South Asian outfit that their wore on their Baraat and also for it to be attracting and appealing to my target audience that will be interested in reading my magazine. 

For the house style of the front cover of my magazine, I wanted to interpret the traditional colours that related towards the genre of my magazine and also for it to be appealing towards my target audience. I have used the colours gold and burgundy red because it connotes the idea of it being elegant and to contrast well with the outfits worn by my models on their wedding day. I have also chosen to use the colours red and gold to connote the idea of making my magazine to look cultural by presenting the traditional use of colours on my magazine. I also used the colour white for the text of my magazine in the colour because I wanted it to stand out on top of the main cover image,  and also for it look professional and simplicity for the magazine. As well as the real magazine presented on the left hand side, the colours that they have also used are revealed to illustrate the theme and genre of the magazine. For example, they used the colour gold for text on their front cover to connote their idea of elegant and for it to contrast well with their main cover image. The real magazine has also used the colour white for the text of their magazine front cover to also connote the idea of it to look professional and classy and for the to stand out on the front cover.

For the mast head design of the front cover of my magazine, I went with the final design of using the font "Classy" for the word "THE" to make the mast head to stand out on top of the main cover image and for it to look simplistic. I then used the font "elegant" for the word "Baraat" as well as in the colour gold for it connote the idea for the mast to look elegant and for it to make it appealing towards my target audience and to match the genre of my magazine by using a old traditional colour that symbols a South Asian Pakistani wedding. I decided to use two different colours for my mast head because I wanted it to look appealing towards my target audience and to stand out and to look elegant which is why I used the colours white and gold. The colour white allows my mast head title to stand out a lot more and to be easily visible. As well as using the colour gold, allows my mast head to look more elegant and more related towards the theme and the genre of my magazine. 

CONTENTS PAGE:

For my magazine contents page, I wanted the layout to be unique and for it to look more appealing towards my audience and making it more aesthetically pleasing. As the real magazine that I have chosen which relates to the genre and theme of my magazine, they have presented images which highlights the models on their wedding day. For my magazine, I wanted to interpret my models in their traditional intricate detailed outfits that they wore on their different events. I wanted to add pictures of my models on their different events to amaze my audience as they open the magazine, but however I lowered the opacity of each image to not show off the original bold colours and to express the full quality of the image until they turn to that page of the event in the magazine. Although the real magazine example that I have chosen has only left the hand side of the magazine to present some images and left a lot of white space, I have chosen to fill up the whole page of the background image convention of my contents page with different images of my models on their different event to make the contents page more appealing and aesthetically pleasing to my audience. 

I didn't want to have one image on my contents page because I wanted the contents page to stand out with all the different images of my models as well having different poses revealing different emotions on their wedding events. I also wanted to follow the tradition of this convention by seeing other wedding event magazine have many different images on their contents page to make their audience to be amazed and to make them want to read the magazine. Having more than one image on the contents page makes it more stood out and more appealing to the audience by showing them an insight of the different events and what they are expected to see in the magazine. 

For the last code and conventions that I will be talking about is the text on the contents page. In the real magazine presented on the left side above, they have presented their text on right hand side with bold text of the subheading and small body text for a short description of the page. However, in my opinion, I didn't like the layout of this style and since I wanted full coverage image for my contents page, I presented the text in a way they wouldn't cover the images that I have presented on my contents page. I also used the same font on my contents page that I have also used throughout my whole magazine to connote the use of synergy. Although the real magazine has used the colour black and made the text of the title "Contents" in italics form to make it stand out on the page, I have decided for this convention to add a rectangle banner in the middle of the page and to add the title "Contents" in the font "Cochin" and duplicated the layer and inverting it into the colour black to create a gaussian blur. I have done this because I wanted the title of my contents page to look unique and for to be appealing to my target audience. 

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD:

When creating my double page spread for my magazine, I did a lot of research online for the perfect layout that I wanted to present my double page spreads. Although the genre that I have chosen to create my magazine is very niche there aren't as many examples of magazines online but this layout presented on the left above caught my attention. However, the double page spread on the left still looked really plain and dull, so I decided to add mandala designs on to my double page spread around the match so that it was suitable for my target audience. 

The magazine that is presented on the left hand side presents images of their models however it's giving much of a natural, freedom vibe in a way as I have presented my images. For example, the images that I have captured on my double page spread for the "Rishta" page creates the idea of it being verisimilitude, connoting the idea of the images being captured in 3rd person, expressing my models to do their own pose for the Rishta picture on the top left, creating the impression of them both having freedom and showing authenticity and revealing their true personality. For the Nikkah, I wanted the images to connote elegance and regal, this is because the Nikkah is the Islamic marriage and I wanted to capture strong images on the representations of my models with connotations of love, security and happiness. 

Another convention that the double page spread on the left followed that I didn't, is continuing with the same topic on both pages on the double page spread. This is because I have talked about different cultural events that place before the main Pakistani wedding, hence the reason on why I created two different types of both pages. Another convention is having a rectangle border frame for every article in my magazine. The double page spread on the left presents an article that isn't on a rectangle border, I didn't like the look of having text alone on my magazine because I personally think that it doesn't stand out as much compared to having the text on top of a rectangle banner and also it looks more appealing when having a rectangle banner and it stands out a lot more. 

How are my models presented in my magazine are ideal selves/partners and why?

My models presented in my magazine are ideal selves/partners by the use of representation theory. Both of my models are dressed throughout my magazine is elegant South Asian, Pakistani attire catered for their events to symbolise the connotations of culture tradition and grace. The facial expressions presented on my models faces illustrative their body language and confidence shows connotations of their strong love for one another, show a dream marriage in which that is filled with loving emotions, care, romance and aesthetically pleasing. The bridal make up, jewellery and mehndi (henna) symbolises the connotations of cultural traditions and the strong elegance of a traditional Pakistani bride, juxtaposing with a South Asian Pakistani men with a well brushed beard and an elegant traditional wedding attire to symbolise the connotations of masculinity and strength in which represents both of my models as ideal selves. 

With the use of Laura Mulvey's theory 'Male Gaze', the traditional South Asian bride is decorated with intricate South Asian wedding jewellery and bridal make up in which allows the bride to become a bold symbol of visual pleasure to my audience, in which holds a strong attach to cultural traditions and ideals in media. The groom presented on the front cover of my magazine dressed in an elegant sherwani with a turban on his head with showing grace of his culture and the leadership of the marriage, suggesting a stabled representation of worthy. 

What mode of addresses did interpret into my articles for my magazine?

For the final product of my magazine, I didn't just want my magazine to look professional, but I wanted my magazine to also read professional too for my audience in which they will be able to freely rely on the advice I provide for each South Asian event in which leads up towards the wedding day. Because of this, I have used peer-to-peer, using informal/chatting language in my magazine articles such as "black isn't just about the trend, it is an expression of mercy, strength and proud heritage". These phrases can be used and found in peer-to-peer conversations to illustrate a pleasant storytelling greet. 

I have used parent-to-child mode of address in order for me to share my best advice and guidance for a couple that is in the position of marrying each other. The articles that I have added in my magazine are presented to be giving the readers of my audience advice on marriage and inspiration of how to plan their wedding events if they would like support on different aspects of their events. My articles share wisdom and cultural guidance to my audience, in which I have discussed parents giving their daughter away to another man to take full control of commitment to take care of their daughter. "The aim of every parent is for their daughter to be treated well, showered with affection and love" and also, "I personally express my warmest prayers to all the powerful fathers and mothers". In both of these phrases of my articles I showed my sympathy, care and guidance in which how a parent would also give their child about the stage of marriage.

BODY COPY ARTICLE:

Interviewing Kaleem and Thaiba on how to prepare to someone also in their 20s for their first Rishta: 

Kaleem's answer:

"Reflect on your values and your goals in life. Be mentally prepared, understand and reveal your top priories in a marriage during your Rishta. Be open minded, share what you are looking for in a wife and what are you willing to compromise on. Personal hygiene is key. Make sure you look well presented, smell nice, show your respect, show you are wanting this marriage. Be polite and kind and to speak confidently when being involved in a conversation. These are the basics you can show but it's not as stressful, just take deep breaths before the moment and you will ace it."

Thaiba's answer: 

"Your first Rishta as a female can be emotional, especially with the thought of leaving your childhood home. Take some time to mentally prepare yourself for this big step. During the Rishta, be honest about your future goals, family traditions, and your top priorities, and to make sure the person aligns with your expectations. Stay respectful, maintain eye contact, and be polite and kind. With some preparation, you'll be fine. Best of luck."

^ Above, presents a body copy article that I have added in my double page spread in which I interviewed both of my models, Kaleem and Thaiba, in which I have written in 3rd person allowing audience to understand the pure advice from experience from my models perspectives on how to prepare audiences for their first Rishta. 

I have researched a lot of magazine related to same genre and theme to the one that I am completing, I don't think I was able to find this unique idea in a double page spread and to be interviewing their models, allowing their audience to have a clear understanding knowledge and hearing the true words from the models presented in the magazine. 

I wanted to include an interview from my models giving advice to audiences around their age to give advice on their first Rishta because this is the first starting event before any further events gets discussed. Allowing my audience to read the article of the interview of my models on their experience, will hopefully encourage the readers and to also reach out to a wider audience. 

LO3: Setting up Photoshop | Procreate

 300 res is a high quality resolution used for printing in the publishing sector. This resolution means that the final product will not look pixelated. This resolution means that the file I will be using will be lossless compression. The only downside of using lossless compression is that it takes up a lot of storage.

PAGE SET UP:

    

LO3: Body copy for articles

 1st Double page Spread

Rishta Day:        K&T Rishta

A Rishta is the first event that takes place before any other future events. A Rishta is an event in which the groom's family visits the bride's family and to get together to make an agreement for the marriage to take place and for the groom to ask for his hand in marriage. This event is the most nerve wracking day of them all for the bride and groom. This is the day for the groom to out stand themselves and to say how great of a husband he will be to his wife's parents and for them to accept him as a great son-in-law. Once the agreements have taken place, a prayer is made to bless the soon to be bride and groom with God's love and blessings. 

Interviewing Kaleem and Thaiba on how to prepare to someone also in their 20s for their first Rishta: 

Kaleem's answer:

"Reflect on your values and your goals in life. Be mentally prepared, understand and reveal your top priories in a marriage during your Rishta. Be open minded, share what you are looking for in a wife and what are you willing to compromise on. Personal hygiene is key. Make sure you look well presented, smell nice, show your respect, show you are wanting this marriage. Be polite and kind and to speak confidently when being involved in a conversation. These are the basics you can show but it's not as stressful, just take deep breaths before the moment and you will ace it."

Thaiba's answer: 

"Your first Rishta as a female can be emotional, especially with the thought of leaving your childhood home. Take some time to mentally prepare yourself for this big step. During the Rishta, be honest about your future goals, family traditions, and your top priorities, and to make sure the person aligns with your expectations. Stay respectful, maintain eye contact, and be polite and kind. With some preparation, you'll be fine. Best of luck."

Nikkah (engagement day):  

An all white and gold magical Islamic Nikkah ceremony bought Kaleem and Thaiba together for the first time and a traditional Pakistani wedding with friends and family to carry them into their future.  Kaleem and Thaiba met at a young age through both mother's being close friends during their childhood in Pakistan. Life recently, Kaleem and Thaiba knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Their whole wedding included their magical Nikkah followed by a colourful Mehndi ending with an elegant Baraat. 

2nd DPS:

DHOLKI:       Kaleem's Dholki | Thaiba's Dholki

A Dholki is a traditional Pakistani event that is hosted at the brides and grooms house fulfilling the atmospheric cheerful, festive noises such as the beats of the drum, laughter, singing and clapping. Traditionally, women lead the Dholki event, singing songs fitting the occasion.

Bold vibrant decorations, colourful outfits and feasts of traditional Pakistani dishes throughout the Dholki night. The Dholki is an event where the bride and grooms family come together, creating a bond and to celebrate the culture and to have lots of fun and joy that surrounds the couple, embarking on their new life together. 

Dancing, singing and lots of food and vibrate colours all around you, creating the emotion. A Dholki is a night to cherish, creating unforgettable family memories. 

MEHDNI:       Kaleem's Mehndi | Thaiba's Mehndi

Thaiba's Mehndi:

A traditional Pakistani Mehndi is the warmth of any Pakistani wedding. A Mehndi night with bright vibrant colours all around loud Bollywood much fitting the occasion and creating unforgettable moment to be cherished forever with your close friends and family. Warmth colours such as yellows, oranges, greens and pinks, symbolising a sense of happiness and joy. Welcoming all guests with a traditional Pakistani feasts, enjoying mouth watering dishes such as rice, chicken, kebabs and chicken catered at all events. Being in the atmosphere, witnessing a Pakistani Mehndi is a delight to your heart. Lots of fun, dancing on the floor, singing, glow sticks in the air, creating many memories that can be looked at after the event. 

A Mehndi is not just a wedding event, it's a firework exploading love, culture, joy and happiness setting a warmth feeling to the guests, building up the excitement for the baraat. 

Kaleem's Mehndi:

A traditional Pakistani groom's Mehndi is the most energetic, colourful and energetic event. This when both the bride and the grooms family come together enjoying the Mehndi night filled with Bollywood music, dancing, beats of the drum, fireworks and cultural traditions. Dressed in traditional Pakistani attire, the groom takes all the attention from the guests revealing his outfit. Choosing your mehndi outfit can be really stressful. However with the groom we present in the magazine bought not only his wedding outfit in one day but also his Mehndi outfit too!

3rd DPS:

WEDDING:

Why Black? 

On most Pakistani weddings, the colour black is often seen as being valorous and a regal option for a groom to wear on his Baraat. Traditionally, grooms before wore brighter colours or different shades of red to crown the bride's elegant red dress. However, the colour black has now become very popular to its elegance.

Historically, the colour black has been related towards power and culture. The colour black connotes the meaning of strength and toughness, symbolising with the role of a groom as now being the protector in the marriage. Black has now become the colour in which creates a significant contrast against the bride's elegant red dress, making both them to stand out together more angelic.

Wearing the colour black for a groom is not only about the trend - it's an utterance of elegance, strengthen and to have pride in culture.

Why Red?

The colour red has been a mark of good luck, success and happiness in South Asian cultures, including Pakistan. For centuries, brides have enhanced themselves in red on their wedding day, believing that it brings positive energy, blessings and protection against the evil eye. This tradition has been deeply engraved in cultural use, with many brides wearing red just as their mothers and grandmothers did- some red dresses even been passed down through generations. 

While red stays a royal look, modern brides are now embracing lighter hues like pistachio, pinks and other pastel tones because of their personal preference. Eventually, the colour a bride does choose, should make her feel confident and comfortable because it is her special day. Whether it's red or a softer shade, the choice is for her to make. 

Rukhsati:

As we celebrate the harmony of two souls, let's take a moment to embrace the unstated emotions of parents bidding farewell to their dearest daughter. Imagine devoting your heart and soul to raising your child into this world, taking care of her, making her being a compassionate woman, only to then hand her over to another - hoping they will cherish her with the same faithfulness.

Every parent dreams is for their daughter to be treated like royalty, showered with love and affection and to have all her wishes fulfilled. 

To all the strong mothers and fathers handing their precious gems for marriage, I personally sent my heartfelt prayers. May the Almighty above bless their daughters with honourable husbands who will love and treasure their daughter endlessly. Ameen.

The Baraat:

A Baraat is the heart piece of a Pakistani wedding, where tradition and culture meets glory in an unforgettable show of celebration. The groom's entrance is nothing but outstanding, as he arrives amongst the beats of the drums and with guests dancing Bhangra. Smoke grenades and fireworks adding light and colours to the baraat, symbolising the joy and excitement of the event.

As tradition, the groom must achieve his way by humorously negotiating with the bride's sisters who demand an entrance fee to let the groom through - this is a cherished and an unforgettable memory which adds laughter to the wedding. As the groom finishes his entrance, the guests eyes all pan towards the bride.

Dressed in an elegant red dress, the bride show off elegance and regal, every intricate detail of her dress shine back centuries of tradition and cultural delight. As she walks in, the hall noise fades out as her entrance song plays, and all of the guests are fascinated by her appearance. 

The groom then approaches to greet his brides parents. In this moment of exchange, the bride's parents place their full trust in the groom with their beloved daughter. It is an indication filled with love, hope and prayers, symbolising the union of two families. 

LO3: Creating Production Materials

FRONT COVER:

In this image above, presents me adding a gaussian blur on the text on the front cover which is couples initials "K&T" in the font "Cochin" and in the colour white the connote the idea of it to look professional and elegant. I added a gaussian blur on the text to make the text to stand out and for it to contrast well against the background on the front cover image. 

In this I added a mandala design to enhance the look of my front cover and to connote to my audience the theme/genre of my magazine by presenting South Asian art throughout my magazine. I have made the mandala design in colour white to make it stand out against the background image of my front cover. 

I then added cover lines to my magazine in colour burgundy red to represent the traditional use of colour of the bridal wedding dress and for it to stand out against the background image. I also added a white blur against the text "THE" to enhance the bold text and to make it more visible to my audience. 

In this image above, I added a promotional to my magazine, allowing my audience of my magazine to be able to win a voucher In which they will be able to spend to on their dream wedding photographer. This promotional will encourage my audience to be able to read my magazine and to participate in the giveaway to receive a chance to win the voucher. I presented the text on a burgundy background with a gold mandala design around to enhance the look of the promotional ad, and making it look appealing to my target audience and for to stand out and to be noticed. 

CONTENTS PAGE:

In this image of my magazine, I have arranged all of the images that I wanted to use for the background for the contents page. However I lowed the opacity of each of the images as because I didn't want to present to bold vibrant colours in the images in the opening of my magazine and wanted to build that excitement for my audience to see the outfits in a higher quality image when they read the different pages of my magazine. 

I also added a white rectangle banner in the middle of the contents page in which I will be adding the title of the page. I have chosen the colour white to connote the idea of making the contents page to look professional and for it look appealing to my target audience. 

In the image above, I added the page numbers, the headings and sub headings of the pages that I will be adding in my magazine as well a short description presenting a teaser of what the content will be about. I also added the tile of my the contents page and added a black layer underneath each of the text and did a gaussian blur effect allowing all of the text to stand out against the contents page of my magazine. 

In this image above, illustrates the font that I have used on this page. I used the font "Cochin" for every text on this page so that the text will stand out and look professional. I also made all of the text in the colour white and added a black gaussian blur to make it contrast well and to allow the white to stand out and to make it more visible to my audience from a distance. 

1ST DPS:

 

In the image above, presents the font that I have used for the title of the "Rishta" page. Again, I went for the text "Cochin" font to connote the idea of synergy and making the house style of my magazine the same throughout of all of the images I produce. I also added a mandala border to present on each side of the title of the page to enhance and the look of the page. 

In this image above, I added a green rectangle banner frame for the text of the article that I added for the Rishta page. I have decided to go for the colour teal/mint green for the rectangle border frame as well using the same colour for the mandala design and the title of the page because I wanted it to contrast well with the image that I have used for the Rishta page of my magazine. Also, the colour mint green symbolises the moment of it being new beginnings and the state of being calm and at peace. 

In the image presented above, illustrates me adding the images that I have used for the Nikkah page of my magazine. I also added mandala designs to my images in magazine to enhance the quality of all my images and making them aesthetically pleasing and making it more appealing to my target audience. 

I then created a rectangle banner border for the Nikkah article in the colour beige. This is because I wanted the banner frame to match well with the traditional clothing that the couple wore on their Nikkah day and for it be appealing towards my target audience. 

In this image, I have added the text of the article for the Nikkah page and I have used the font "Cochin" for article because I wanted it to look professional and also used the colour white to make the text to stand out and to contrast well against the coloured rectangle banner frame. 

I then duplicated the text layer of the article and then created a gaussian blur for the article to make the text to stand out a lot more and to make it more visible for my audience. 

2ND DPS:

In this image, I added the images that I have decided to use for the Dholki page of my magazine. I then also added a mandala design to the magazine in the colour magenta with hints of pink to contrast well with the images used for the Dholki page and to match the colours the bride wore on the Dholki day. 

In this image, there was quite a bit of white space, so I decided to add a blur effect of the colour magenta in corner of the page with the pen called "airbrush" to give it the soft colour effect.

I then added the text of my Dholki article in the font "Cochin" and in the colour white to present a professional look for my magazine. I then duplicated the text layer and created a gaussian blur to enhance the look of the text and to make it more visible for my target audience.

On the same page as the Dholki event, but on the right side of the DPS I talked about the Mehndi day. In the image above presents be adding the portrait images of the bride and groom on their Mehndi day as well as adding rectangle banner frames in which the articles of each Mehndi event will be. 

I used the colours orange and blue for the rectangle banner frames for the articles because I wanted the colour scheme of the page to match well with colour aesthetic of my models traditional Mehndi outfit, allowing it to be more appealing to my target audience with the use of vibrant colours throughout my magazine. 

In this image, I added split the large rectangle banner frame to create column articles and added the first article of the brides Mehndi day. I used the font "Cochin" and also presented the text in the colour white for it to look professional. I then created a gaussian blur on top of the white text so that it creates a glowing effect, making the text to be more visible to my audience. 

In this image presented above. I also split the large rectangle border frame and created a column article of the grooms Mehndi. I then added the text again in the font "Cochin" and in the colour white to make the text of the article to stand out and to contrast well against the coloured border background. I then added a gaussian blur to my text article, making it more aesthetically pleasing for my target audience. 

As I managed to discuss the traditional Mehndi event in one column article, there was a large amount of white space. And because of this, I added a mandala design in which illustrated on Procreate. I then added a clipping mask of the mandala design layer and then added different hues of blue to the mandala design to make it contrast well with the colour of the traditional Mehndi outfit that the groom wore.

3RD DPS:

In this image, I added all the images, rectangle banner frames in which I will be adding all my articles for the wedding day and the mandala designs in which I decided to add to enhance the look of my final DPS of my magazine. 

I wanted to use medium close ups of the singular portraits for the bride and groom to present the intricate heavily details on the traditional clothing in which they wore of their main day and to also express the emotions on the bride and grooms faces before they make their entrance. And for the final image, I captured a portrait shot of the bride and groom after they have both made their entrance and looking at each other connoting the symbol of love and joy between the two couple as they embark their new journey as married couple. 

PRODUCTION MATERIALS:

I had a smart phone in which I used to capture all the images needed of my models in high quality formats.

I will also be using an adjustable tri-pod for my smart phone to capture all of my images and to ensure that all of my images are straight and stabilised. I was also able to change the height of the tri-pod, which allowed me to make sure that I captured the perfect shot needed to present in my magazine.

I had to loosen out a few screws on the tripod in which i was able to adjust the positioning of the legs of the tripod - making sure that it was stabled and wasn't going to fall and not damage any equipment or to injury members of the public whilst being on set. I had to assemble the mobile phone holder clamp at the top of the tripod and to adjust the positioning of the clamp at the top to ensure that the position of my mobile phone is perfectly centred for me to capture the photos needed for my magazine. 

LO3: Contact Sheet and evaluation

C O N T A C T   S H E E T:

DHOLKI:

In the images above presents the images that I have captured for the Dholki event of Kaleem & Thaiba's wedding week. A Dholki is an event that is hosted traditionally by the women from both families in which they have the night to dance, sing, play games and to have lots of fun. The men in the family arrive to eat the Pakistani dish that is served at the Dholki event and then make the exit out of the Dholki event so the women have their time to enjoy the night. For this event, I have used the images "IMG_4550" and "IMG_4669" in my magazine for the DPS of the Dholki event during the wedding week. I have chosen these two photos because the "IMG_4550" presents a portrait photography of the bride dressed her traditional Pakistani attire with a background of vibrant colourful flowers in which we attached onto the wall for decoration. I have chosen to have a picture of the bride as because a Dholki event is hosted by the women side of the families so it will make sense to have an image of the attention of the night. I have also chosen the picture "IMG_4669" to show the props in which we had on display during the Dholki event in which the guests were able to hold and to present during a Photo Booth in which had humorous culture jokes to illustrates the connotations of joy and laughter. 

NIKKAH:

For the Islamic wedding (Nikkah), I wanted to capture many different camera shot types on this event to connote the simplicity and the present the whole look of the newly wed couple in their simple, elegant white and gold outfits that they wore on their Nikkah. 

For the images that I decided to use for the Nikkah section page are "AG005851.JPG" and "AG005877.JPG" to connote the idea of love and unity between the couple and to present the elegance and the traditional Pakistani clothing. For the photo "AG005851.JPG", the pose of the groom kissing his brides forehead, connotes a medium close up of the couple illustrating the idea of love and security, emphasising the protection he will have accountability for into taking care of his wife and ensuring that she will be loved and taken care of. 

The photo "AG005877.JPG" connotes a wide shot of the couple in which I mentioned to do a twirling shot in which I wanted to capture of them both on the Nikkah day. The twirling shot connotes the idea of unity and togetherness of the couple and in which reveals to full look of both of the couple and also revealing a flowing shot of the traditional attire of the brides outfit, capturing an elegance and a regal look. 

KALEEM'S MEHNDI:

As I am the groom's brother and as much as I wanted to capture photos of the event, I also wanted to enjoy all of the traditional events the during the week as much as I could. The only times that I could manage to capture images portraits of the groom or the bride is when all the guests were seated and eating the food when it was time for it be to served. This is because there wouldn't be anyone obstructing the images. 

The best photo and the only photo that I will be using for the section of the article of Kaleem's Mehndi is "_5CL8104.JPG". I have chosen this image to present the section of Kaleem's Mehndi because I wanted to illustrate a medium close up. This is because, I was able to presented the emotions of the grooms face illustrate the sense of joy and happiness and of the groom enjoying the light and the fun of his Mehndi night and also to illustrate the heavy intricate, traditional Pakistani attire. The groom himself wore a light coloured traditional Pakistani outfit on his Mehndi because he wanted a unique and a more of a lighter pastel look. Although the traditional colours for a Mehndi is green, yellow, orange or pink, but the groom wanted a lighter hue to symbolise the idea of light, happiness and something more subtle and peaceful.

THAIBA'S MEHNDI:

For the bride's mehndi, I managed to take a variety of different camera type shots such as close ups and wide shots of the bride. I also captured a few images of the decoration that was around during the Mehndi event. I decided to use wide shots of the bride herself to capture a full portrait image of the bold vibrant traditional orange dress in which the bride wore on her mehndi night to presented the intricate detailing on the dress. I also wanted to present close ups of the bride and some shots of her touching her colourful intricate jewellery in which she wore to enhance the final look of her Mehndi outfit. I wanted to capture close ups of bride and her jewellery to connote the joyful emotions of the bride and also the shyness of the bride by touching her jewellery. 

The image that I decided to use for the page of the bride's Mehndi article is "Image 10.JPG". I have decided to use this image as because it is a medium close up which is the best image for me to use to present the bride herself, as well as her intricate vibrant traditional Mehndi dress and her colourful regal Mehndi jewellery in which will be very appealing towards my target audience relating towards the Pakistani culture. 

WEDDING:

Presented above is the contact sheet of the images in which I had taken of the main Baraat Day. On this day, I had to visit the brides house to ensure that I was able to capture images of solo portraits of the bride herself before they both, the bride and groom met after making their entrance. As I had spare time before leaving with the groom towards the venue, I was able to see the bride and to take images of her and I decided to take different camera shots of her. I decided to focus more on the medium close ups of the bride in her regal, traditional red bridal dress because it expresses more and shows more of her elegance look. I wanted to present the look of the bride and her elegant jewellery, as well as the intricate details on the dress. 

After, as she was leaving the house to make her way towards the venue, I decided to take pictures of the bride her in wedding car to capture the emotions of the bride as she leaves her childhood home as she starts her life with her groom. I decided the use the photo "DSC02822.JPG". I decided to use the photo because I managed to capture a good medium close up of the bride as well as presenting her full regal wedding look and her in her wedding car, ready to make her way towards the wedding venue and to capture an image to connote her happiness and joy, ready to embark her new journey in life her with husband. 

For the groom, I wasn't able to capture much images alone of the groom due to me being apart of the family, however during the Baraat I was able to capture a photo of the groom and I duplicate the layer on Procreate and created a gaussian blur on the background, presenting the groom in full focus of the image show casting him being the main attention. The image that I will be using is "DSC03050.JPG" to present where I will be adding an article in my magazine titled "why black". I have chosen to talk about the title "why black" to reveal the cultural reasons of why being an elegant colour for a groom to wear on his Baraat. The medium close up of the groom connotes the intense emotions on the groom revealing his emotions before he enters the venue to make his entrance. Also, the medium close up allowed me to also focus on the intricate details on the grooms outfit. 

Here are a few strong images in which i personally believe that i have taken for my magazine so far. I have chosen the best photos using the software Adobe Bridge to help me keep myself organized on to which photos i personally like best and that will fit my magazine. For some of the photos i have taken, i would want to edit them on Procreate/Photoshop as because some became really dark and some i do not like the lighting of so i would like to adjust the lighting on them. 

All of the images above does fit the genre of my magazine which 'Wedding Photography' however, my genre is a niche audience targeting the South Asian's in the mid 20's starting their wedding planning and looking for inspiration for their dream wedding. I will be talking about the traditional colours worn on the different traditional events in which takes place before 'The Baraat'.