Photographing A Band: Need Advice/Tips

A buddy of mine works as a promoter for local music in New York. He asked if I'd be interested in doing a few photos for a press kit for a band he's promoting. I've been shooting with SLR's for almost 10 years... but I have almost no experience doing a photo shoot of this type.

I'm just looking for some helpful advise, tips/tricks. The gear in my sig is all I have... no fill flash or lighting equipment. I think this will be an out door shoot. Is there anything I can do to prep for this? I know this is a pretty general question, but I'd like to do a good job and have something to throw in my portfolio.

Not saying it is impossible, but not being able to properly light a shoot like this can be a nightmare, even outdoors. you are at the mercy of mother nature and that rarely works out.

even with reflectors or some type of object to use as reflectors, you may have a tough time. you are not trying to expose a single person, but a group of people.

I got lighting Mike and I'm from bucks county, if you need a partner let me know.

A few things - what sort of band is it? Try doing some research on what sort of "look" bands of that genre go for... even try to have a chat to the band ahead of time to get an idea of what they want.

Armed with that knowledge you may have a better idea of whether you can pull it off without flashes... I have to say, though, that every band shoot I've ever done I've used flashes - by the same token, though, I have seen some excellent results using only natural light from other photographers so YMMV.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to do their concert shots and leave the other shots to someone else. I just don't have the equipment and I'm not even properly trained in using lighting equipment.

At least either buy or rent a speedlite or hope for an overcast day!

I'd also consider renting a longer lens.