Local Band cover shots

[tracib]

My neighbor is in a band and they are recording their first CD. He asked me if I could take some pictures of them for the cover and inserts. I warned them that i am a super novice, but sure I'd give it a try. I'm scared to death that the pictures will be awful, I have no expensive equiptment or anything, just my d3000. Anyone have any suggestions as to time of day, locations, etc?

[SJCT]

I've been in bands and am now seeing things through the lens (albeit as a bit of a beginner myself). It's tough to say exactly what to look for and what type of shot to take, that much is up to you. Maybe try to scout out a location first? Try it out and see what works best for you, take a friend and have them pose for some practice shots so that you can get your settings right without being under pressure.

Also, avoid brick walls at all costs. If there's anything that's been overdone in band photography, it's using a brick wall as a back drop. Check out this site: Rock And Roll Confidential | Your Band Sucks . They have a whole section dedicated to "the brick wall" photos. Let's also not forget bands walking down railroad tracks, that has been done to death as well!

[ElCapitanoAwesomo]

something i've been seeing around alot lately with several local bands i follow, is this fad of the photographer being on a lower plane than the members of the band. also, they are all typically standing stock straight, with some sort of staggering in their location. typically, frontman is in, well, the front.

i dont understand this style. you could do it if you and the band likes, but i think its an incredible scene music thing to do. being in a band myself, i dont think that i personally would care very much for this style of shooting, but thats my own, weird, hipstery point of view.

and yes, PLEASE avoid brick walls and rail way tracks! i do think that finding a cool graffiti-ed wall would be really cool, but it depends on the genre and such. try going to the studio with them and get something of them doing their stuff!

[DSWfoto]

Another thing to pay attention to is negative space. A lot of times for album art, negative space can go a long way for labelling. If you can get your hands on white seamless, there are so much you can do with that as well.

Have fun!

[nickbedford]

One particular website you might want to look at for inspiration is Concert Photography & Band Portraits: Music Photographer Todd Owyoung. The only issue is that he uses speedlites which you seem to not have.

I actually just did a photo shoot for my own band and I too used an umbrella/speedlite for lighting, however if may spark some inspiration if you want to have a look. I did all the set up and my house mate helped shoot.

I'm in the blue button up shirt

Nick Bedford, Photographer Archive Guards Of May

[faeriegodess612]

lol, awww, Nick. You look like the guy thats nerdy but charming.

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by faeriegodess612

lol, awww, Nick. You look like the guy thats nerdy but charming.

Haha thanks it's funny cause those thicker glasses are actually our singer's. I prefer these subtle thin frame ones (in the full band shots).