I have spent a lot of time lately looking at indie band sites and receiving press packs.
One overwhelming similarity is the two different groups of photo quality.
I see band shots obvious done by a professional, and on the same page low quality shots manipulated in a graphics program.
There is no reason to have a rift in consistency.
When creating band shots you should always take a lot of pictures.
This way you have plenty to choose from.
If you are going to have a "photo shoot" take two rolls of film or fill up your digital camera's memory.
The more photos you take will help you find the really quality shots to use.
Try and emulate the look a professional photographer achieves.
Find nice places for shots instead of just shots of the group practicing.
You don't have to be shown playing instruments.
I always wondered why professional photographers rarely shoot the band playing, but thats all the band gets pictures of.
Get away from the graphic software.
It doesn't look very professional to have strange boarders or reversed colors on photos.
It looks very amateurish.
Let your photos stand on their own.
I don't know how many of these I come across on personal and indie sites.
I never come across them on professional sites though.
Another batch of shots that really don't look professional are non-band members photos.
I can understand shots of people that are with the band in the shot, but just shots of random people?
Who are these people?
Shots of friends should be kept to a personal site.
If they are a manager or actually have a role in the business of the band then thats fine, but other friends are best left of your official band site.
The photos that you officially distribute should be of good quality.
They should be not be obnoxiously mutilated to look "cool".
If I am looking for a band to sign or play a gig, I want to get a feel from a press pack or website how professional a band is.
You want to show that you are serious about your future in music.
Always try to make a good impression about your commitment to your music.
Music industry people don't want to deal with anyone who is not serious about their career.
|
Quality Band Photos Make a Difference |
|
|
|
