Going to take a few promotional pics for a band of 2...

[andylo]

Hi,

Will have to do some band promotion photos for a work colleague's band, which only has 2 people.

I have been researching a ton on how people doing their band's promotional photos... but all I see if pics, not necessary advise.

Just want to gather some advise from people on this board who has done it, much appreciated.

Thanks in advance :)

[Danielle10]

Hello, I'm not that great at advice but I've done a heap of live gigs recently and love getting the musician in their element. I love getting the emotion in my shots and try to work with the available light whilst still being creative.

If there is an instrument (guitar etc) try to get that included in the image. The whole thing that is, try not to chop it off.
Make sure microphones and shadows of are not obstructing their face etc.

If its just shots of them not performing try capturing them at different angles not straight on, have fun and be creative with it.
And make sure u post here what you've done, would love to see them!

Check out my flickr page of u wanna see some live stuff.

[flame70]

Ask the band how they see themselves, what they want to portray. will you need costumes, mua, location, lighting.
Are the images for posters, postcards, cd covers. This will make a difference on how you frame them.
Think about leaving space for graphics, wording.
What angle would you shoot to make them look better, portray importance, insignificance.
Are they going to pay you
get a contract so you know what you will get out of it and what they will get- always in writing.
Jez

[darkbhudda]

What genre/style of music?
Have they given you any ideas of what they want?

[andylo]

Thanks guys! Got some questions I NEVER thought of asking!

Please keep this idea coming :) Will post all the answer when I get them.

And I certainly will post the pic I will be taking :)

[kiwi]

its not a band it's a duo :)

seriously Andy, what's there to know ? You've been taking photos long enough, and some professionally right ? - talk to them and establish a shared vision for what style they want and go shoot it

[andylo]

Hi kiwi, yes it will mark my 2 years "experience" on photography 22 days later :) But I wouldn't say I have done anything professionally. Yes I have tried a few things, but no I am not really satisfy the quality of my images.

There is always a thing or 2 I am missing in terms of individual image.

And this whole band thing is (ok, duo...) is quite new to me.

I believe in preparation and research (before I do a shoot that is mean to be serious). I want my audience say "wow" when the see my picture....

But so far that "Wow" have never happen :confused013

The above people provided something I never thought of asking - and I really appreciate it.

..... well although I have asked the above question, but the answer I got so far is "we are a Party fun band"..... I never really into band stuff... so I am trying to find out exactly what it means :p

[darkbhudda]

"we are a Party fun band"
I'd start with a band called LFMAO. They spring to mind with that quote. Also Art vs Science for a more indie take.

[andylo]

Just a little follow up re this - just in case a few are waiting to see images.

The shoot has called off and postponed due to weather and then one of the member suddenly preoccupied.

Sigh - need to wait before I can get my hand on band photos..... :confused013

[jeffde]

anyway go and watch them - look at the audience - i would never take football photos if i had never watched a game...