I got commissioned to do a professional photoshoot of a new Indie Rock Band a few months ago.  We considered doing the shots in studio but I then decided that we needed a more
‘worn down’ location for me to create the right feel in the images.

So off we went to this old warehouse premises.  The warehouse is quite run down but parts of it is still in
use by panelbeaters, bakkie canopy builders and so forth.

The aim of the photos was to come up with an idea for their new cd cover(Front and inside of the booklet)  When you photograph a group of people like a band we want to portray the mutual friendship and comaraderie they share. I had them take their instruments(guitars/mike’s whatever they do in the band) with, to make our shoot more interesting.

Despite being able to sing in front of large groups of people they’re all quite shy and it took a lot of hard work to get them all used to being in front of the camera.

I just snapped away and eventually they got so used to having me moving around them, climbing on top of things and sitting on the ground they just seemed to relax and forget about the camera. Perfect, I got a few natural shots of them playing on their Fender electric- and Ibanez acoustic guitars, even playfully attacking each other with the microphone.

The secret is to keep them moving around, so that in the end you will have a wide variety of backgrounds and poses to choose from.  Sometimes it is necessary to ask them to
pose in a certain way, other times just put them in front of a rugged background and have them playing guitar or chatting about upcoming or past performances.

Interactive posing is something I have found to work very well when photographing groups of people like a new band.  Think of interesting things for them to do like jumping from a step, throwing their jackets/caps in the air or acting like a heavy metal rock band for instance.  And don’t forget, subtle flattery will get you everywhere…   Keep encouraging your subjects, tell them you like the pose, their jacket is awesome and just laugh  with them and enjoy the shoot.

Don’t be afraid of trying a funky new idea or photographic technique.  People like musicians are also artists who want to express themselves.

At the beginning of the shoot it’s a good idea to sit down with your clients and chat to them so that you can form a good idea of who they are, what they like to do and how you should portray them.  50% of your
shoot should be planning, where, how, lighting etc.

With outdoor photoshoots the weather plays an extremely important role.  Always be prepared for the unexpected. Even though your only going to shoot with your hotshoe mounted
flash, take one of your studio lights and an extension just in case.

Consider the angle and height of the sun.  Maybe you want the

harsh sunlight at 12 in the afternoon but watch out for squinty eyes.  You can even get some funky sunglasses and issue everyone with a pair to try something different.

Groups of people always look good when you pose them on different levels.  Try not having everybody standing on the ground, have someone sitting in their haunches, or kneeling down.

Maybe have the next person stand on a crate or on a rock.  Otherwise your shot might be a bit static.

This shoot ended up being a lot of fun and these guys don’t sing too badly either

Just go with it!

Riani