Hmm... not sure if you were planning on using the images as is (studio shots) or were going to composite them into a separate background but I will comment on this.... why this particular lighting setup?
While I do like the poses and grouping arrangements, I'm wondering why you chose to shoot in this particular high key setup. Though it may be cliché, I think band photography lends itself better to hard lighting, rather than soft. Aside from that, you seem to have handled the DOF nicely and each member appears sharp.
I would have liked to have seen the key light positioned high and directly above the band, with 1 or 2 rim lights at least 1 stop over.. producing an effect similar to this:
I like the angle of the shot, but it seems to be lacking substance. Maybe the lighting. The back right hand corner, the light seems to fade off a bit. Just my .02
fstop. Totally agree. I really need and will go back and rewrok in PS.
I had 2 softboxes in front up high (above there heads) about 5 to 7 feet (staggered)in front. Then back light in back rights corner aimed parallel with backdrop with reflector on left side bouncing back light to backdrop. Not sure if it worked as intended.
But in my defence, It was late and I quickly PS this to get something to bands management. Just to give them and idea of what to expect from the shoot.
What's with the frontman (literally speaking) looking so *bored*?
I hate to say it Scott but these all look pretty cliche' band shots. I love and admire most of your work - you have some of the best band shots around. These just look so cut-n-dried to my eye. Maybe these guys just didn't give you anything to work with...
Regards,
Jon
Scott- i always love seeing your work. these latest images though seem different than what you usually produce, in a sense that they may be a bit more subdued and less creative than what we all usually see from you. was this band a bit less inspired/more difficult to gel with?
that being said,
the first shot suffers from some light falloff in the rear. im also not really sure about the white background. I'm curious as to why you chose to go with that one.
your second image is the strongest, imo. everyone is evenly spaced out, and each member has his own expression - making it a really lively and dynamic shot. the frontman really ties this one together and balances the comp nicely. great job there!
in your third shot, my eyes are immediately drawn to the funny guy peeking out at camera left. he is the only cheerful one of the bunch! again theres also some light falloff at the back, particularly the guy in the ACDC shirt. the area under his chin seems to have a wierd color/desaturation going on due to the falloff.
The band is really popular here in Indianapolis, IN. They are the biggest thing in this city for awhile. But the singer and drummer (AC/DC) shirt are original memebers. They go thru guitarist and bass players like Spinal Tap did drummers. !!
So the other members are new and younger and very energentic. The singer and drummer where the most difficult to work with, only becauz of being shy or egos. Tough question!
But lighting does suffer on the V shaped shot. Had 2 strobes on left and right front (w/softboxes. Maybe that is why?) and I had back light (picture right) in back, facing parelell with backdrop with reflector left back, TRYING to bounce light for back light on right to fill in shadows on backdrop. Does that make sense?
Lighting step up for other shot with drummer in back.
!!