Main image

Often, the main images of film magazines take-up the majority of the front cover, this is because they are the main focal point for the magazine cover. The main image is often from a specialised photoshoot specifically for the magazine (or from a promo image), this is because the actor/s are looking directly at the camera (making a form of direct address). 

Often, film magazines use a medium close-up image of the actor in question. Here, EMPIRE magazine has opted for a long shot to advertise the film Mockingjay part one, this is due to the iconic costume the actor is wearing. The costume is very significant in terms of symbolism in the book, therefore a long shot will allow the image to fulfil its maximum potential. 

Main image

In this version of EMPIRE magazine, the image conforms to the convention that it has to be a medium close-up. The medium close-up of the character Iron-Man allows the audience to see the face of the actor and the iconic costume he is wearing. Empire magazine often relies on a single image on the front cover. Empire does not often use secondary images as the main image has enough impact as it is. 

This cover of Empire uses a close-up image to depict the main actor, or in this case, robot! EMPIRE don't often use close-up images except for the subscriber edition covers, which this cover is. Subscriber edition covers feature less text and a different image, often a close up. The effect of a close-up image really draws the audience in, this image creates a sinister feel. 

Main image

In this version of TOTAL FILM magazine, the main image is composed of three separate images superimposed together. The images represent three different films all of a similar genre, action films. The images anchor to corresponding taglines featured in the circular puff to the left of the page. Film magazines rarely use images from more than one film on the cover, however the headline requires more than one main image.    

This cover of EMPIRE features the typical medium closeup of a single character, however a 'strip' of secondary images is used at the bottom of the page. this looks like a film reel, connoting to the genre of the magazine. Secondary images in film magazines are often placed horizontal, they don't feature randomly around the cover like fashion magazines for example. 

SECONDARY IMAGE