Shooting the same artist again - how do I produce something different?

[tfire]

Earlier this year I helped my local music store (who'd been great with me over the years) by taking some photos for them at a 'clinic' by Reb Beach and Doug Aldrich.

For those who don't know, a clinic is where (in this case) a guitar player gets to demonstrate some equipment and talk about it.

I tried to capture the playing...

http://images.fotopic.net/yhnje5.jpg

..and the talking...

http://images.fotopic.net/yhnjdl.jpg

...and the aftermath of the story-telling...

http://images.fotopic.net/yhnjdp.jpg

There are more photos here (http://goldsbrough.fotopic.net/ps29699623.html) and here (http://www.suhrguitars.com/events.aspx?image=interview).

I get to do the same thing again on Monday, with Reb Beach only. I'd like to produce something a little different, so that the music store can use it on their web site without it looking like photos from the previous performance.

I know that I'd like to try to use custom white balance, so that I can take away the over-colouration from what are likely to be poorly set-up stage lights.

I may get some one-on-one time for photos, so although they may have to be done at the same time as doing an interview (recorded to a MiniDisc player), I may be able to do some placed shots with speedlites on light-stands.

So here's the question. What would you do, if you were me?

[DwightMcCann]

Try doing a collage. Do CWB. Get a headshot and a wideangle of the venue.

[Redmouse]

Like Dwight said, wide angle. Tell the story. Go in close with the WA. Get in on the hands playing the guitar. Shoot the crowd. Shoot him with the crowd...

[tfire]

Get a headshot and a wideangle of the venue.

Like these? or something different?

http://images.fotopic.net/yhnjef.jpg

http://images.fotopic.net/yhnje7.jpg

http://images.fotopic.net/yhnjeb.jpg

http://images.fotopic.net/yhnjen.jpg

[johnstoy]

In addition to the same lens, use different lenses from previous shooting...Shoot from all angles and shoot a hundred or two hundred plus, shots...select the different ones later...

[tfire]

In addition to the same lens, use different lenses from previous shooting...Shoot from all angles and shoot a hundred or two hundred plus, shots...select the different ones later...

On a 350D, I used a 20mm, 50mm, 85mm and a 75-300mm last time.

[johnstoy]

On a 350D, I used a 20mm, 50mm, 85mm and a 75-300mm last time.

I like your lens choices...Well than, you might have used up a bunch of options?..

Nah, you're OK...yet there are additional angles to choose from...if there is an upstairs, sides and long distance, go there....

They'll probably wear different clothing from last year, the lighting might be different...

Almost all shots are different...the eyes, the facial expressions, the hair cuts, all contribute to variety...

I walk all around the periphery of the venue and when I see a good angle, walk in and shoot...(don't walk around too much though, as once, the venue security gave me a heads up about potential complaints)...

[taygull]

First I'd send him a photo from the first shoot and ask him to make sure he does not wear the same clothes. Then I'd make sure the background had some different things in it. Get some guitars from the music store and set them up in the background. Bring a stool and let him sit on the stool during this clinic.

The last thing which could be the most difficult ask him to play a different guitar. It would be great if he played one of the "premier" models that the store is trying to sell. Now if he is a clinician who is being paid by his guitar maker then this will be a little more difficult.

If he is a "player" he should have multiple guitars so request he use a different one from the first shoot.

If all else fails ask him to get a haircut and shave first!:p

[rachelpattison]

Hey there

I've shot a few different bands mroe than once and I know exactly what you mean, some of my shots end up looking almost exactly the same!

Move around as much as possible to get different angles, try close ups and wide, try everything! If you know the performer already its a good opportunity to try different stuff, different settings etc.

At the end of the day if its the same performer he will probably play/move/talk like he did last time, he is the same guy and you can only capture what is there, just try to be as creative as possible.

Good Luck
Rachel

[tfire]

First I'd send him a photo from the first shoot and ask him to make sure he does not wear the same clothes. Then I'd make sure the background had some different things in it. Get some guitars from the music store and set them up in the background. Bring a stool and let him sit on the stool during this clinic.

The last thing which could be the most difficult ask him to play a different guitar. It would be great if he played one of the "premier" models that the store is trying to sell. Now if he is a clinician who is being paid by his guitar maker then this will be a little more difficult.

If he is a "player" he should have multiple guitars so request he use a different one from the first shoot.

If all else fails ask him to get a haircut and shave first!:p

I think I can use most of this advice - except the last bit! Thanks.