The Evolution of Britney Spears

You can clearly see the evolution of Britney Spears on the cover on Rolling Stone magazine. How are these images constructed to present ideas about the star? Remember, in the first cover she is only 17!
Answer the following questions about each cover making sure that you use appropriate terminology.



1) How has the image been framed/cropped?
This image has been cropped so that the main focus of the image is Britney Spears.
What type of shot has been used and why?
The view of the camera shot is called a bird’s eye view. This is camera has been raised above the focus to give the impression of vunerability
What type of magazine is this typical of (refer back to the readership statistics)
The type of magazine I believe this is a typical image of is a men’s magazine. Simply because, there are certain tactics used in this frame, to attract men to the magazine. Pervs!
2) Describe Britney’s costume. What does it suggest about her image? Who is this appealing to?
The costume Britney is wearing makes us think that she has just tripped down to bra & knickers. This tells us that she is a bad, freaky girl. This is appealing to men.
3) Have any props been used? What messages are they conveying to the audience?
The props that have been used are a phone, and a telly tubby doll. This makes us think that she is still a little girl as she is holding a doll which is related to little kids.
4) What setting is used and what are the connotations of this?
Connotations of the magazine front cover that she is a young girl with a twist.
5) What colours are used and why?
Purple, Grey and White. Purple is used because it can be referred to as a girls colour. Whit with black outlined writing because it stands out


1) How has the image been framed/cropped? What type of shot has been used and why?
The image has been framed as a medium long shot
2) Describe Britney’s costume and pose. What type of relationship does she want with the reader?
Britney’s costume is very revealing. The reader is more likely to see anyone like this if in a relationship with them. I believe this is the type of relationship she wants to have with the reader.
3) What setting is used and what are the connotations of this?
To me, the setting looks like a bedroom due to the white sheet & white background. I believe the connotation of this image is to show the reader what type of girl Britney has now transformed into from being a high school teen.
4) How is lighting used?
Lighting has been used but there is a restriction of shadows. There is a slight darkening on her back
5) What colours are used and why?
Colours that have been used are Black, Red, Blue and White. White usually symbolises angelic themes which is ironic to what she is trying to achieve on this front cover.



1) Why has this image been chosen? Is the use of black and white significant?
This close up has been chosen to show Britney’s emotions. I think that the use of black and white means that this is the truth with no strings attached.
2) How has the image been cropped?
The image has been cropped so that it is just her face showing.
3) What type of relationship does Britney want with the audience? Is this supported by the anchorage text?
I believe that the relationship that Britney spears wants with her reader, is that of her pain. This is because of the text with states that she is inside an American tragedy. The fact that they don’t only mention the word tragedy, they call it an American tragedy. This makes it seem more severe then it initially is.