Band Promo Photos - DPChallenge Forums

08/19/2002 01:41:52 PM · #1

I did a photo shoot of my husband's band about two weeks ago. They are one of the top band's in the Boston area, and have been together for over a decade. They wanted a promo package shot, so asked me to do it. I think some of it was courtesy - being married to the sax player and all - but now they are very happy with their pictures and have recommended me to another area band who needs photos to be placed in a magazine. This other band hasn't officially hired me yet, but under the premise that they will, I was hoping for some input from you all on the photos I took, and how I could improve them. Suggestions on posing? etc? I don't have any studio lights, but may be able to purchase a not so expensive set if hired. Also, the Soul City photos were done in the only available space at a hotel. Is there a not so expensive backdrop I could get for future shoots?

Any comments and/or recommendations are eagerly anticipated/needed! Thanks!

lennier

Nikon D70

08/19/2002 02:03:07 PM · #2

Those are very nice photos!

The only thing I can think of, is either have the members remove their glasses, or position your lights (or flash) as to not reflect on subjects glasses.

What kind of lights did you use for this? Did you just use a flash?

08/19/2002 02:07:41 PM · #3

Just the existing room lights and flash on my camera. I didn't want to use a flash, but the room glow was horrible (greenish-yellow) that had to be re-worked in photoshop anyway. The light behind them helped a bit so it wouldn't be flat, but, again, that was an existing downlight in conference room we were allowed to use prior to the band performing for a corporate function. I was stresssing, but my husband and a couple of the others said no one knew that - that I remained professional and calm on the outside.

Thanks for the suggestion about the glasses! Okay.

* This message has been edited by the author on 8/19/2002 2:07:08 PM.

lennier

Nikon D70

08/19/2002 02:13:54 PM · #4

One other thing... Studio lights are expensive, but you'd be suprised how well you can do with a regular lamp, or any other kind of light with a homemade difuser in front of it. I've never done group portraits, but for single person portraits, I did quite well with just that in the past.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

08/19/2002 02:15:51 PM · #5

Okay, thanks!

Guess what? The band just contacted me via email... looks like it will happen - and within the next week!

;} (nervous grin)

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

08/19/2002 02:30:07 PM · #6

Congratulations on the gig, and nice job on the photos! A couple small things caught my eye as I was looking through them. In the first grouping of photos, it appears that the guy on the right was a little too removed from the group.

I like the idea of having everyone hold their hands out, but a couple folks held their hands a little unnaturally in some of the shots. A few people looked like they were cupping their hands as though they were holding something. If they could all do it uniformally, it would be a little better.

Personally I like the ones where people are touching each other (hands on shoulders, etc.). I think it gives the photos a warm feeling when it looks like the group gets along well together, as opposed to being a group of individuals assembled for a photo.

Over all, these are great -- I hope you get a lot of business out of it!

* This message has been edited by the author on 8/19/2002 2:29:56 PM.

08/19/2002 03:38:50 PM · #7

Thanks, alansfreed. Nice comments and suggestions. I will watch for those type of things with the next group.

cq107

08/19/2002 04:03:18 PM · #8

straight on shots are kinda boring, maybe moving your tripod to the left or right about 3 feet...
or something in action, maybe not the silloute...

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

08/19/2002 04:25:16 PM · #9

I didn't do the shots used for the silouette. those were done years ago. I am only referring to the ones linked in pbase - not on the soul city web page.

re: taking from a different angle... thanks. I will put that suggestion into practice. ;)

lmhr

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

08/19/2002 04:47:25 PM · #10

Karen,

First of all thanks for your kind comment on my picture in the past challenge.

Regarding the band. I would strongly sugest to get them in the open. On the inside they look like they're in a break after playing in a wedding at a hotel.

Also, try shooting them with their instruments, maybe in pairs or trios depending on the instrument; for example the horn section. Then you can put them together. That way the individual personalities come to play, what you think?

08/19/2002 05:00:04 PM · #11

Yes. I think that's a good idea. In fact, I asked the leader if he wanted individual shots, or horn section shots, etc. He said he just needed a good shot of the whole band to give to potential clients. There wasn't much leeway here. On a couple of the shots I had the horn players hold their instruments. They liked that, too. They were, in fact, getting ready to go on stage at a corporate function. I would have preferred a different day - better setting, even outdoor lighting, but this is when they were all together in their tuxedoes ready to go on. Sometimes the photographer's suggestions are ignored! ;-)
I'm hoping the next group for next week has fewer members. Easier to get different poses?
I was thinking of bringing along a couple of wooden stools and a small step ladder to get a different angle...?