DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> I need help and advice with band promo shots!
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 12 of 12, (reverse)
AuthorThread
04/27/2010 05:06:04 PM · #1
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?
04/27/2010 11:19:37 PM · #2
Hey you guys! Bump.

Antone with band promo experience?
04/27/2010 11:44:46 PM · #3
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...

Bump
04/27/2010 11:53:07 PM · #4
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

Message edited by author 2010-04-27 23:58:34.
04/27/2010 11:56:39 PM · #5
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).
04/27/2010 11:56:40 PM · #6
Easiest thing to do is shoot them individually in good light (ie late afternoon/early morning) and make a composite cover. It is done all the time.

Create your concept cover first and then make sure you shoot them in the position they will appear on the cover. Shoot a background shot and PS away!

04/27/2010 11:59:16 PM · #7
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...
04/28/2010 12:22:32 AM · #8
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.
04/28/2010 12:39:54 AM · #9
Originally posted by e10icus:

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.
04/28/2010 01:10:06 AM · #10
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.

Thanks everyone!
04/28/2010 10:29:06 AM · #11
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.
04/28/2010 11:31:34 AM · #12
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

//www.ryanpphoto.com/#/music/

for a more themed shot i would take a look at the work of joey lawrence or

//www.johnhalpern.com/music1.html

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.

-Max
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 08/08/2025 07:22:05 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/08/2025 07:22:05 AM EDT.