A photo can make or break your band’s image, it can be the difference between being noticed by the right people or being passed over completely. Here at Mixonic we have come up with the ultimate guide to a better band photoshoot to ensure you get the best pictures possible for your band. You can read part one and part two here respectively, and following is the third and final segment of the Mixonic Guide to A Better Band Photoshoot – and it’s all about the most important piece of the puzzle – the shoot.
On the day of the shoot, make sure you arrive on time, or early if possible. It may be true rockstar style to arrive late and make an entrance to everything, but a little professionalism goes a long way – particularly if the photographer is doing you a favor by giving you a great deal or perhaps not charging you at all! If you’re paying a lot of money for it, this should be even more inspiration to arrive early – you want to get your money’s worth after all, right?
Double, and triple check that you have everything you need with you to take to the location – outfits, props, costumes, hair and make up products, all your band members etc. If you have a make up artist, hairstylist, wardrobe stylist or other specialist coming along – make sure they’re organized and know where they’re going and what they’re doing. Bring snacks and water – it could turn out to be a long day. Also bring along an ipod, book or something else to amuse yourself with during down-time.
Get in the zone – this means relax. What it doesn’t mean is turn up drunk or otherwise intoxicated out of your mind at the shoot. You won’t get good pictures this way and you certainly won’t convey professionalism! Just smile and have fun with it, or scowl and fun with it, rather, if that’s more your look.
When you get to the shoot, be aware that the photographer may take some time to set up particularly if he/ she has lighting and other equipment. Be prepared to go straight into it – always come ‘camera ready’ unless otherwise specified. If you have a hair/ make up person/ stylist etc now would be a good time to employ their talents. Talk with your photographer about what it is you are looking to achieve exactly again once you arrive at the shoot. Show him/ her your outfits and props so he/ she can get a further idea of what you are working with.
You will probably start with some test shots. These are shots the photographer takes to test out that the lighting and camera and everything else are working the way he/ she wants them to. It’s also a chance for you to warm up and get comfortable in front of the camera, try to be patient for this part of the process, because once it’s done it’s going to be all go.
Posing is important, as is personality. Your photographer should help you with this and tell you how to arrange yourselves, particularly in a group shot. If you’ve never had a photoshoot before it might be a good idea for you to look at other band photos and see how they are posed, and try a few things out in the mirror ahead of time. It may sound a bit stupid, but being conscious of how your body moves and the way it looks will translate into the final photos. You don’t want to look awkward, it’s about putting your best image forward after all. Try to keep your posture strong, keep your spine straight and tall, shoulders held back. Make eye contact with the camera unless told otherwise. Try to change up your pose just a little bit with each click of the camera. It could be that slight tilt of the head in one photo that makes the magic. Don’t be afraid of trying new things in front of the camera, project your band’s personality and style, and just go with it. Change up your props, outfits, poses and expressions as often as you think you need to, be creative, be professional and most importantly, be yourselves - you’ll have a great time and come out with excellent pictures.
