I'm shooting a local band from Chicago's Promo pictures tomorrow and was wondering if you guys had any good ideas to offer. I've never shot a band before and would like some lighting tips. There are 5 members in the band. The title of their new CD is "The Sunrise" and they want the theme to be as he Says:
"Most of it black and white (the cover and back) and on the cover the only thing in color is th up button lit up. Their isn't really a theme I guess too much. We just didn't want the could cliché sunrise title with a sunrise. The band photo will be kind of like the band doesn't know your there while walking into the elevator. The cd is about the demise of local bands and how bands sell out and aren't in it for the music. The elevator cover and back kinda symbolizes how theres nothing but up from here, aka the sunrise meaning, if you have any ideas, feel free to chime in"
I'm not very experienced with strobes or flashes and would like some input on what I should use since there are so many of them to shoot. I was thinking 2 umbrellas maybe with a light in the background with a gel on it or something...
My comments below are not a criticism of you, your subject, or your talent. I offer them in a friendly tone of voice and with the intent of helping you.
1. Whether you are getting paid or not, they have asked you for your skills/talent/creativity. So use your OWN skills/talent/creativity. In other words, forget about copying someone else's ideas for a 'band promo shot.'
2. You would do best to use natural light if you are not "experienced" with strobes or flashes. It also seems very natural, uh hum... to use 'natural' light. Given the CD title of "Sunrise" it seems foolish to not use a natural 'sun' to light the faces/scene.
3. Since your 'client' has said they don't want a sunrise to be used (as an element in the image)...then get creative (using your own creativity) to get the point of across without using a sunrise in the image. Who said it has to be a sunrise in a field?
4. I am sure you are up to the challenge. IF you 'cop out' and simply "Copy" someone else's designs or ideas, you will never know what your level of creativity is except that you are good at imitating another band image. I suggest you don't do that (copy) but rather use the old noggin to try something original.
