Band photos: DIY or Pro

[Wesley R]

Most of the bands I have been in either did the DYI, or a friend. Today's equipment makes for some pretty good pictures. That however does not discount the eye, the art, the whatever it takes to to make the difference between good enough and excellent. If the band was doing more expensive shows where a higher degree of professionalism and coinage were expected, then a pro photog is not out of the equation.

Best of Luck,
Wesley R.

 

[catcauphonic]

Locally there's a really cool guy who goes out to rock shows and takes pretty cool pics and then uploads them to Facebook afterwards for the bands. All for free. If a band wants a photoshoot you just talk to the guy and hell give you a photoshoot. All for free. Look around for a guy like that in your area maybe? There are probably decent hobbyist out there looking to build experience.

Yea we've got a few 'scene historians' here who take amazing photos. I put one on the list for our last show, and he shot a bazillion live photos! Reminds me I need to inquire about them soon

 

[Deleted member 284617]

Find a "pro" for a cheap price. Unless you're a big-ticket band, there's no reason to approach a well-renowned photographer, but please, please, PLEASE don't promote your group with poor pictures. At the same time, however, if a band member or a family member is a good (note: good) photographer, it's not a bad idea to approach them if you can get it done for free.

 

[neddyrow]

like others have said, find a decent amateur. our old drummer has a great "eye" for pics.

plus he works for beer

 

[StudioGC]

Find the photographer who did this shoot...clearly he/she has their skills dialed in on what makes a great band photo.

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

I'm all over the map on this one.
Sometimes my girlfriend does it. She has a cool camera and knows how to use it.
Latest one I did with a point and shoot digicam on a tripod on a timer.
in our practice space with a black sheet and a couple floodlights, with gobos used as diffusers.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[arbiterusa]

I'm both good enough as a photographer and a photoshopper that I could probably do it myself for a low-level project, but if you're SERIOUS, you get them done by a pro who does headshots for a living.

And that distinction is important. My neighbor is a world-class advertising photographer, does it for a living but he shoots product, not faces, and I would not hire him - yet - to do that kind of work.

 

[ajschnitzelbank]

Pro's ain't cheap.

Find a "pro" for a cheap price. Unless you're a big-ticket band, there's no reason to approach a well-renowned photographer, but please, please, PLEASE don't promote your group with poor pictures. At the same time, however, if a band member or a family member is a good (note: good) photographer, it's not a bad idea to approach them if you can get it done for free.

 

[ajschnitzelbank]

As a musician, I don't like getting asked to work for free or for exposure. Legit photographers I know don't either.

 

[Bodeanly]

You guys are full of great insight. I thank you kindly.

 

[Bodeanly]

like others have said, find a decent amateur. our old drummer has a great "eye" for pics.

plus he works for beer

Great shot! I'm a fan of black and white as well.

 

[ajschnitzelbank]

Not to be a hater. If you have a friend who isn't professional that's cool. Some amatures can do the job fantastically. Just don't ask a professional to do it without being willing to offer fair pay. That's my grumpy Friday point. Hah.

 

[Robroy]

Hello, colleagues, peers, trolls, and lurkers:

Band promo pics.
I'm leaning towards DIY.
If you choose Pro, what kind of band are you in and what price is acceptable?
Yes, I spelled "hobbyist" incorrectly.

Thanks.

You want to get a pro to protect yourself from awful stuff like the photo below. On the other hand, sometimes bad photos are so bad they're good.

 

[Robroy]

As long as you get a shot in front of an old brick wall, you should be fine.

In all seriousness, you'll enjoy this. Some are funny, but some are very helpful. With a little creativity and a good smart phone, you can to pretty cool stuff.
brick wall band photos - Google Search

My avatar was taken by my wife with her LG-G3 and I added a "film" black and white filter. She snapped it on the fly when the bird jumped from my desk to my bass. But she is a natural at it.

 

[schenknasty]

All about friends with nice camera gear. I've always covered their ticket and got them some drinks in exchange for the gig, editing, and uploading.

 

[shawshank72]

Nowadays with technology at your fingertips, its too easy and cheap to do it yourself.

 

[technocraft]

As a pro photographer: Pro.

You will use the pictures for everything. Make sure you get individual shots as well (for bio, etc.)

 

[technocraft]

Nowadays with technology at your fingertips, its too easy and cheap to do it yourself.

With instruments from $199, anyone can be a bassist!

 

[bikeplate]

Unless you live on an island I'm sure you, your gf, or people you work with know an able photographer who would do your band pics for a good price

 

[Gasman]

Punk band- DIY
Otherwise, pro