4 - Beyoncé (Digipak Analysis)

CHARACTERS

Beyoncé has been shown with very little clothing on, which could suggest that the photographer has specifically chosen this outfit to use her sex appeal as a way to sell the album to other audiences than just women (women are the main fan base as they relate to the songs, whereas men may buy it because they are attracted to Beyoncé). However, Beyoncé may have chosen this outfit herself because she might feel more comfortable in it. If this is the case, it reflects badly on her image/reputation as it suggests she is outgoing with her clothing and likes to attract the opposite sex. Alongside of this, the image is also very stereotypical of the music that Beyoncé creates as it links with the love and affectionate lyrics. In addition to this, the clothing she does have on is purple. The colour purple is usually associated with wealth and royalty which is why they’ve chose it, they’re stating and glamourising Beyoncé in a way to suggest she is just as good as royalty. 

ICONOGRAPHY

There aren’t many iconic elements within the digipak that I have picked up on, however, Beyoncé herself could be seen as an iconic figure of specific music genres such as R&B/Pop. She is seen as the ‘star image’ of these genres as she has released many hits, which makes it easier and quicker to recognise the album as she is centered in the middle of the album , therefore drawing more attention towards her. As well as this, Beyoncé is also iconic of ‘woman power’ which again links to the overpowering the city and showing off she can do what she likes.

SETTING

Beyoncé is seen on a rooftop of a very high building that overlooks the rest of the city. This could suggest that Beyoncé is overpowering/more famous than others. In addition to this, the ‘city’ shown looks poorer (almost like a slum) which could again suggest she’s wealthier and more powerful, she’s showing off what she’s got. The colour of the background/city scape is also very dull and plain which directly contrasts with the purple clothing as well as the CDs vivid red colour. This draws more attention to Beyoncé and again focuses all the power on her.

STYLE

There are no performance references or conceptual references within the digipak, however, you could say there was a minor story or message behind the way Beyoncé has been portrayed. For example, as she is seen with very dark eye make up on as well as a revealing outfit, it could suggest that she is showing off her body in a way that she is saying to young people “this is how to look”. This could be seen in a variety of different ways. Many people may say that it’s a good thing that she is concerned about the youth and how they are showing themselves off, whereas many other people may say it’s a negative thing as the youth should be left to ‘do as they please’.

TECHNICAL ELEMENTS

Natural lighting has been used in the image, however, the subject has been placed in a particular place where the light is shining upon her and not creating shadows, this again draws more attention to her and draws more people in.