How do I prepare for a band project?

[thegunshow]

I have been asked by a friend to shoot a project for his band, he said he will pay me but I want to make sure I can give him something to pay for first.

I need to know how to properly shoot a commercial style, story-telling photo of a band (or just one band member). He wants the setting to look like "nature" and at the same time "dreamy" by using some effects in photoshop (which effects?)

So far this is all I know, we are supposed to meet up and toss around ideas later in the week, but if you are reading this and you have an idea throw it at me, please, I am open to anything. I have never shot like this before, I usually shoot for fine art that is interesting on it's own, not having to be set-up or staged, so I need advice and help and I'm ready to listen to anyone.

[MattG]

Given the shoot is to represent a story, then I suggest starting the process as follows:
1. Determine the key words that represent the band - this can include genre if a band is specific (i.e. punk, ska, etc.) and the emotions/values that are needed to be projected within the story. If this is a heavy metal band then dreamy and nature representations will probably be very different to a folk music's definition of nature and dreamy! This is more to help establish expectations for both parties.

2. Flesh out the concept - is this a fictional band creation story (e.g. 'from the mating of tree and squirrel was born Lisbon's Polka Punk Salsa fusion), a placement story (e.g. hippy hugging trees for a 60's folk cover band) or a project based series (e.g. placing unique individuals within the band in a common theme to establish connection through shared values - useful for a modern Jazz outfit)

3. Start determining the logistic limitations - who is available, for how long, at what time of day, how far can they travel, etc. You may have to present a couple of options before agreeing to the shoot details together.

4. Start piecing the Story board together - visualise locations, poses, props. Discuss these with the band/manager. Have alternatives for outdoor/indoor if strongly reliant upon weather for chosen theme.

5. Prepare the gear.

Good luck and hope these suggestions help

[Sime]

MattG - Great reply. Nothing to add, though I would be keen to see what you come up with, thegunshow.

Good luck!

Sime

[thegunshow]

Originally Posted by MattG

Given the shoot is to represent a story, then I suggest starting the process as follows:
1. Determine the key words that represent the band - this can include genre if a band is specific (i.e. punk, ska, etc.) and the emotions/values that are needed to be projected within the story. If this is a heavy metal band then dreamy and nature representations will probably be very different to a folk music's definition of nature and dreamy! This is more to help establish expectations for both parties.

2. Flesh out the concept - is this a fictional band creation story (e.g. 'from the mating of tree and squirrel was born Lisbon's Polka Punk Salsa fusion), a placement story (e.g. hippy hugging trees for a 60's folk cover band) or a project based series (e.g. placing unique individuals within the band in a common theme to establish connection through shared values - useful for a modern Jazz outfit)

3. Start determining the logistic limitations - who is available, for how long, at what time of day, how far can they travel, etc. You may have to present a couple of options before agreeing to the shoot details together.

4. Start piecing the Story board together - visualise locations, poses, props. Discuss these with the band/manager. Have alternatives for outdoor/indoor if strongly reliant upon weather for chosen theme.

5. Prepare the gear.

Good luck and hope these suggestions help

Thanks alot, tons of advice here!
I'll be posting the results here if all goes according to plan

[candleman]

Originally Posted by MattG

Given the shoot is to represent a story, then I suggest starting the process as follows:
1. Determine the key words that represent the band - this can include genre if a band is specific (i.e. punk, ska, etc.) and the emotions/values that are needed to be projected within the story. If this is a heavy metal band then dreamy and nature representations will probably be very different to a folk music's definition of nature and dreamy! This is more to help establish expectations for both parties.

2. Flesh out the concept - is this a fictional band creation story (e.g. 'from the mating of tree and squirrel was born Lisbon's Polka Punk Salsa fusion), a placement story (e.g. hippy hugging trees for a 60's folk cover band) or a project based series (e.g. placing unique individuals within the band in a common theme to establish connection through shared values - useful for a modern Jazz outfit)

3. Start determining the logistic limitations - who is available, for how long, at what time of day, how far can they travel, etc. You may have to present a couple of options before agreeing to the shoot details together.

4. Start piecing the Story board together - visualise locations, poses, props. Discuss these with the band/manager. Have alternatives for outdoor/indoor if strongly reliant upon weather for chosen theme.

5. Prepare the gear.

Good luck and hope these suggestions help

perfect post..
thats exactly what i did for my little clothing thing i just did.

models availability, weather and providing them options for what the shot will be is the critical bits.
finding good locations where you wont get kicked out is important..

[Evn1ngStar]

[QUOTE=" and at the same time "dreamy" by using some effects in photoshop (which effects?).[/QUOTE]

The "Orton Effect" works well for "dreamy" and isn't very hard to do in photoshop.

This link will 'splain how you do it.

The Orton Effect – Digital Photography Tip of the Week | PCIN.net Update

[Jim Poor]

Fog might be a good thing to add and tis the season to get a fog machine.

[OsmosisStudios]

MattG has the right idea: get the creatives down, and SET THEM. Dont just have wishy-washy words or ideas: storyboards, diagrams, etc. You should be able to visualize the shot before you take it.