What makes a successful image?

Today, during our workshop with Sarah we looked through all sorts of publications and discussed the good and bad points of each. It was a very worthwhile task and helped to confirm what works well within a book/magazine and what doesn't. These are points which will help me when putting together my publication for the professional project.

Sarah then set us a task to ask 3 people of the following profession what makes a successful image.
Photographer.
Graphic Artist.
Fine Artist.
Model.
Stylist.

The first person I have asked is a model I know from secondary school. She was very helpful and gave a comprehensive, informed answer very much from a models perspective.

"I'd say the most important aspect to creating a good image is composition. Negative space around the object of focus is what balances the picture out. If a model was seated in baggy clothing on a stool for instance, the space around her needs to be just so. Similarly, if her arms were on her hips the negative space that creates ie: the triangle of background, looks even better.

Secondly lighting. Too harsh (unless intended that way like shoots from Nylon magazine) can make the image look cheap. Her face should be catching the light, as a model we're always told to "find your light!"

Lastly, the narrative. What the actual image about? Taking a random photo is useless unless it has a meaning. I'm not saying it has to be obvious but the lighting, pose, dress all has to be influenced by the story being told. A picture should tell a 1000 words."

I think this is a brilliant answer to the question. It will help me a great deal if I manage to carry out a photo shoot and I agree strongly with her three main points.

Revolutionary...

Our first lesson back after Christmas was a brainstorming session on our new project title, Revolutionary, with Anya and Jamie. The outcome of the project was explained to us in more detail. We talked about the possibility of producing a look book, a trend book, a magazine, a diary or a shop report. We also spoke about the research part of the project - we will need to produce a research folder, a portfolio and the actual piece itself (for example a trend book).

My idea's considerably developed in this lesson. It was very helpful to get advise from Anya and Jamie. My main idea is to revisit a theme based on digital art which I have covered a couple of times before but one I am very passionate about. I feel with my new found computer skills as well as other developing skills I could approach the subject from a new angle. I enjoyed producing a trend book for our last project and feel this is something I could do again however I may consider making a bit more decorative therefore it may turn into more of a magazine layout.