advice on band photos

[dashersher]

i've never done a shoot for a band, and now a band wants me to take some pictures of them. i've known these guys for 2 years, i like their music and am very happy they want me to do their photos. but i really dont know where to shoot or how.

their music is electronic/alternative... with the occasional acoustic cover thrown in. they're very low key... the only thing they've said regarding the photos is they like ambiguity. other than that...

i'm stuck. i normally take photos of flowers and landscapes and weddings... so... i really don't know what to do. any advice?

[txphotog]

Do them want album cover type shots or shot of them preforming? Take a look at some of Abels concert shots if they want preformance shots. The venues they play in wont be as well lit but it will give you an idea of some different shots. As far a album shots look at group photos to see poses and arrange them in different ways. Have fun with the shoot and you should be fine.

[engstrom]

Find out what kind of photos they are looking for - publicity shots, album covers, concert shots, etc. If you let us know what type of pictures we might be able to come up with some ideas to help.

[satyr]

I get this all the time.. "shoot our band".. ok what did you have in mind? "I don't know.. we want some band pics".. Great.
I actually tried some impromptu band promo pics last night, they had no real ideas but they are willing to do just about anything and ham it up while doing it. (even if it's in a low key way), So get creative and make em work. Something about the musician mentality is the desire to pose and enjoy themselves while doing it. Get creative.. get em drunk.. :) and just have some fun with it.
The where part I can't help you with. I have a hard time with that stuff too.

[eurotrash]

ive done a few. here's one.

[dashersher]

Thanks! For the advice- and the offer to help with ideas..! I'll try to sit down and try to wrangle some specifics from them- and if all else fails, I'll try the impromptu idea and wing it. And eurotrash- that is a nicely done pic. =D

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

Hard to shoot bands at times, especially if there is a large group. This is one local group that I shot that uses 2 dancers, turns out the SINGER didn't make the shoot so they never used the shots.

Now these guys really liked this shot.

[seanclaesDOTcom]

Try to avoid brick walls....
Here's a site devoted to bad band shots...
http://www.rockandrollconfidential.com/hall/

(It's entertaining to go through..if nothing else)

[PictureCow]

LOL I was just about to post that link about the brick wall... they are hilarious!

[merock]

When I am shooting shows, I always try to slow my shutter down quite a bit to let in the ambient light and try to convey in my images what I am feeling in at the shows. Here's some examples:

[exposedmedia]

Lighting will play a big role in setting the mood of the shots if you decide to shoot while there performing. I"ve never done on location shots but from I can tell avoid brick walls.