I'm taking some promo shots for two bands soon. I have a cousin in each band and I'm doing it free, if it's good I'm hoping other bands will be interested and I can make a little money. One band is a hardcore/screamo band in their young 20's and the other is a pop-punk Blink 182 sort of band in their late twenties.
Not really sure how to shoot this, I don't have lights so it would have to be natural lighting plus reflector. Does anyone have any helpful ideas, advice or links to give?
I'd like to double that bump. I'm actually in the same position you are Senay. I had someone, just today, ask if I would take "band pictures" this weekend. Saturday, and I don't have a clue...
Check out the promo photos on current CD jacket photos on iTunes or similar sites, and see what's selling. The bands might like to do the same, so that they can have something to go from in suggesting setups or themes to attempt. If the bands you are shooting have a single "front man/singer" concentrate on making that person shine in the photos.
"It's only the glitter and shine that gets through anyway." (Deep Purple, Machine Head, No One Came)
Lyrics/ No One Came, Deep Purple
I don't know how ethical this is, but I've done it before. You can go to futureshop and buy some speedlights and return them within 14 days (they can be used).
I know Senay was the OP, but speaking for myself, if I'm not wearing out my welcome, I think these guys were talking more about taking pictures of them in a live performance setting, instead of a CD cover type thing...
I've shot for SXSW for two year's now, which is a music/film/interactive festival here in Austin, Texas. With the music, I would shoot one venue a night, usually consisting of 5 or 6 bands, never knowing what kind of lighting they would have. You can't drag lights with you but using a speedlight helps. Also, to help keep the "mood" of the venue if they use colored gels, is to not use flash but change your settings on the camera for low light. It's REALLY tricky, but also awesome when they turn out great.
I know Senay was the OP, but speaking for myself, if I'm not wearing out my welcome, I think these guys were talking more about taking pictures of them in a live performance setting, instead of a CD cover type thing...
Well the OP said "I don't have lights so it would have to be natural lighting plus reflector" makes me think that it is not on stage performance shots.
No problem e10icus, I'm looking at that too. I'm just going to use my 50mm 1.8 for that without flash though. I can't wait to afford a camera that can go over ISO 100 as well ;P
Thanks Leo, I think that's what I'm going to do. Just get the lighting right for each person and composite it.
It seems to me like every band photo I see plays with distance from the lens. Like the frontman is up near the camera crouched down, and the bassist is in the back looking indifferent.
my first exposure to photography was through band photography and its still my favorite. you have to decide if you want a location or an action shot. the location shot is basically like a group portrait, usually focusing on the frontman. for the location shot i try to pick something to reflects the mood of their music. aka dont put a boyband in a grungy old building.for capturing mood i really like this guy's work
understand that joey, ryan, and john all BLAST their subjects with finely tuned light in order to get the shots that they have. since this is unavailable to you currently i would suggest an outdoor shot that reflects the mood/style of the band that youre working with. there have also been cool things done conceptually with light painting using flashlights. i even once planned an idea using car headlights. think outside the box.
