Pre-concert photoshoot - help needed

[johnms88]

So, after requesting a photo pass for an upcoming concert, I received this e-mail from the publicity team.

"Your work is amazing! Would you be interested in shooting the band before the show in a quick photo shoot environment? Maybe just some candid shots around the outside of the venue. If we like any of them, we can discuss terms to purchase a few from you. Please let me know so I can set it up with the tour manager. Thanks!"

I obviously said I would do it, no question there. My problem now is that I really haven't done anything close to this before (the closest thing I've done is promotional shoots for a play). The show is at night, so lighting will be a must. All I have for a strobist setup is 2 heads and pocket wizards and umbrellas.

Here's a google street view of what the venue looks like (im surprised the building hasn't been condemned). On the good side, it should make for at least a somewhat interesting backdrop. I was thinking of using the grafittied garage door on the right side of the street as a backdrop for a few shots.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b35/johnms88/Picture1.png

My biggest concern is that there are 6 band members. I'm not really sure what to do in that regard in terms of posing, etc.


Any insight/examples of other work would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Jim G]

What sort of band is it? One good way for getting ideas is to browse what's already been done in that genre to get a feel for what you want to emulate/stay away from... also check out previous photos taken of the band and be prepared to play it by ear - they may have a lot of ideas themselves or they may need a great deal of direction.

[johnms88]

Band is called danger radio. Its a pretty new band (one of the members is in another band with a VERY large internet following. its ridiculous).
http://www.myspace.com/dangerradio

they don't really have that much yet, which is probably why they approached ME with the idea. Ive been looking around at other bands in the same genre to try and find something but everything they have...well...just sucks.

[skifurthur]

When I am tasked with something like this, I try to get to know the dynamic of the "group" before planning a location or locations to do shots like this. I wouldn't absolutely base my choices on what other similar bands have done. This is a case where other artists are depending on your artistry to provide something special. Do your homework, figure out how you want to light the scene (rent other lights if need be) and follow your muse. Too many band promo shots look like every other promo shot.

I recently was shooting a daylight gig at a festival and the kiddie rides were set up next to the stage the band was performing on. During the set I went to the ride operator, asked if we could shoot some photos on the train, talked to the band after the gig and spent all of 10 mins shooting various poses with the train. The band was laughing and goofing around and the shots were purchased the next day as their promo/presskit shots.

Trust in the force!

[narlus]

it seems like a very impromptu request...i wouldn't expend too much energy into it if i were you (ie, renting lights). if they are that serious, tell them to devote more time to it, rather than rushing it between after soundcheck and when they start.

[Riff Raff]

Well you've got a band... and it does look like you have a brick wall to put them in front of. So... :-)

[johnms88]

Well you've got a band... and it does look like you have a brick wall to put them in front of. So... :-)

Thats what I'm trying to avoid! Please give me the strength!!!!!!! I cant bare to see another brick wall.

I wasn't going to spend any money renting. As was said, it isn't very formal. Also, I don't have a lot in terms of location (cant really be like...hey jump in the car lets go...).

[René Damkot]

If it's after sundown, and there are street lights, I'd bring a tripod...

[johnms88]

If it's after sundown, and there are street lights, I'd bring a tripod...

I was planning on it as a "just in case". Like I said, I do have a little lighting to supplement.