Recently an old friend sent me a link to his band’s website. I visited, but I didn’t listen to the music. Why? Because the photos were uninspiring. They were typical “local unsigned band” photos. And they’re usually a sign of uninspiring music.

Detail from a great photo by Bob Seidemann - Neil Young's On The Beach album cover

A week later, out of a sense of duty, I revisited the site and listened to the band’s tracks. They were good, much better than the band’s pictures led me to believe.

This got me thinking. Image is important… but what does make a good band photo?

Great photo by Ethan A. Russell of Keith Richards

The challenges

The challenge for musicians is that there are so many unsigned bands out there. Millions of them. And they all want some precious audience attention. The challenge for the audience is that they have limited time to listen to music.

For the musician’s potential audience on the web, it’s often a split second decision whether new music gets listened to.

Photos are maybe the audience’s first and only clue as to whether a new band are worth listening to. That’s why it’s important that they’re right.

Tips for bands and photographers

Be aware of what the photos are to be used for, and where you want them to appear. E.g. Press release photos, for publication, that introduce a new band will usually have to show the faces of each band member.

Lighting is important. Use light. Cast shadows.

If the band are standing in a group, make sure composition is dynamic. You’ll know it when you see it.

Close up photos work best with beautiful / arresting faces.

Photographing the band playing  ‘live’ can work.

Use props and locations.

Distract the band by photographing them while they’re engaged in a non-musical activity.

Bring a concept, add layers of meaning. This is my favourite, most important tip. This is what professional photographers get paid for. You could interpret the band’s lyrics or attitude or create your own story around the music. Play with ideas.

For example, the band that I referred to above play heartfelt British folk-rock. And their straight forward photos said heartfelt folk-rock; two unsmiling men, shot in black and white in front of trees. Uninspiring.

Idea: People engage with stories because they are full of people doing one thing and saying the other.

So I suggest that the band play with their image. Maybe they could try, er, saturated colour images in which they smile while embracing the excesses of US consumerism.

By using photos that send an opposite message to their music they create a “disconnect”. With the disconnect comes ambiguity, and confusion and interest. Your audience fills in the gaps, it makes your image more engaging.

The disconnect between photo image and music is usually a good sign that a band can afford a professional photographer to add another layer. The audience recognise these layers (even though they rarely analyse them) and use them to figure out which music to listen to. The point is… ideas are required to create interesting photographs.

Good photos are rarely taken. Good photos are made.

By CR, November 2011

What are your tips for taking good band photos? What are the best band photos you’ve seen? Share your knowledge in the comment box below.