If you happen to be one of the select few bands that I let grace the front of my camera, here are some of the things you should expect/should bring/should think about.

// Great locations.

When consulting with a photographer I would be very keen on making sure he at least has a few locations scouted out and isn’t just going to bring you into the studio with a cheesy backdrop or take you out to the alley to shoot you against the cliché red brink wall. I like to get my clients out into some pre-scouted locations that are as unique as possible. Input on the part of the band is especially helpful – since I don’t want to scout a bunch of urban locations if they want their photos in front of a barn. Scouting takes a great deal of time, but the end product is worth the extra effort. If you are hiring a good photographer, expect to go to some pre-scouted, pre-visualized places.

// Passion.

I know ‘passion’ can be a very pretentious buzzword, but honesty, if your photog is not passionate about your band and about his ideas then the photos will show it. Find someone who loves and specializes in band photography. This will translate into the energy and creativity that you need.

// Coordination.

Make sure Tom the bass-player doesn’t come dressed in jnco’s and a fuzzy top hat if the rest of you are going to are going to be wearing girl jeans and combat caps. I’ve seen way too many band photos that miss the mark simply because their was no consideration to the fact that these aren’t just snapshots – this is your brand. This is what you are going to be selling yourself as. Also, make sure and sit down AS A BAND with the photographer and coordinate expectations. You don’t want certain members of the group to have doubts or different expectations of the photoshoot while it’s going on.

// Quality.

I would go farther than just ‘expect’ – I would say that you need to demand quality from your photog. You are paying him a good chunk of money to get images that you’re going to be putting out there as a representation of your brand. Make sure and know the photographers work beforehand, have consultations with him/her and dialogue until you feel comfortable that they are not going to under-deliver for you. For my clients this means I’m taking my studio lights on location with an assistant, I’m pre-visualizing my shots, I’m making sure the shoot is going to be fun and not overly formal, and I have locations in the queue so that they can see that I really do know what I’m doing.

Next post: Step by step through a shoot.

Graeme is the owner of Pitman Photography. You can contact him @graemepitman.

Bad photography can destroy someone’s perception of your brand.  Period.  Whether you’re a band, a bank or a bakery.  You can have the slickest flash website with the coolest logo out there, but if your photos are under par people’s perception of what you’re offering WILL suffer.  I’m saying this not only as a photographer, but as a consumer.  I’m a sucker for good packaging.  Heck, I think I’m using the daintiest lilac-honeysuckle-meadow breeze soap on the market right now, because I was a sucker for the design.  This is especially true for packaging involving photographs.

Photos draw the viewing in a very personal, relatable way.  They can convey a variety of emotions – cool and dramatic, peaceful and serene.  But in order for them to communicate what you want them to…they have to be GOOD.

Since this series is primarily geared towards bands that’s where we’ll be focusing.  Below are three steps you can take to achieve quality photographs for your band.

// Hire a professional

Your friend Jimmy may own a digital camera, but that does not qualify him as a good picture-maker.  Look for a photographer with a good portfolio in the genre and a good report with their past clients -someone whose work really impresses you.  Spend the extra few bucks to get a great photographer instead of a mediocre one.  Remember, this is your IMAGE that’s beyond portrayed through these photos.  Do you want them to say ‘mediocre’?    If you have a bad feeling about the photographer – find someone else!

// Let the photographer know what you’re thinking.

The process for getting great photos is usually a collaborative one.  Although I like when a client gives me total control, it’s usually best to get at least some ideas of what they want.  After discussing I can usually take it the rest of the way and come up with the finished idea.  Don’t be too domineering with the photographer either.  He’s a professional (see point above) and you’ve hired him because you trust his vision.  Don’t try to map out every shot and run the show.   Good input might look like this: ‘We’re a punk band.  We are a bit grittier.  We would prefer an urban setting.  I liked these photos of band X.’

// Be consistent with the photos.

Don’t get your shots taken every month by different photographers with different styles.  Remember, this is part of your branding. People will get confused if you change too often. Use the same professional photos for a year or so before getting new ones.  If they are great photos they will easily stand up that long.  Another time to have a new photos session would be when your next album is being developed.  We aren’t talking about candid fan photos – feel free to plaster those all over your myspace etc.

Next week I’ll be discussing what to expect at a band photoshoot if you hire a professional.
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Graeme is the owner of Pitman Photography. You can contact him @graemepitman.