Industry news & advice blog

Marianne Harris is an established music photographer from Dorset. Having worked proactively in the Alternative Rock and Metal scene for the last 6 years she's taken portrait photos of hundreds of bands including The Darkness, A Day to Remember, The Blackout and The Devil Wears Prada, as well as countless up and coming bands. She's also written and shot for Metal Hammer, Kerrang, Big Cheese and Front Magazines and also regularly writes blogs full of useful hints and tips for aspiring photographers. But today she is here to provide some tips and advice for bands and artists trying to find a suitable photographer. So take it away Marianne...

Meeting, working with and chatting to so many bands has given me quite a large insight into all manner of subjects, and one of the things that gets talked about a lot is photos. Not surprising considering I’m a photographer, eh! Thought I’d write a blog about photography stuff, aimed at bands & artists really, but it could apply to anyone looking at photographers for press and promotional shoots. I hope it might be useful.

 

Mates with cameras are handy, no denying that fact, and some are indeed talented folk, but eventually you may well start looking for someone with more experience perhaps…at photographers who specialise in portrait or music images.

 

Shop around to get the best deal. It’s not just about cost though. Price is important, at the end of the day you can only afford what you can afford and times is hard, but don’t make that your only consideration for who you pick. There’s far more to consider.

 

Do some research. Ask friends/other bands for recommendations. Check out their previous work - every photographer is different, and has their own style. Does that style fit what you want for your band?

 

Talk to other bands they’ve worked with. Ask questions: What were they like? Did they offer advice and help come up with or develop ideas? Were they assertive and did they direct them well? This is important - the photographer needs to be in charge of the shoot because you can’t see what they can see in their viewfinder. Were they easy to work with? Did they respond promptly to emails and calls, and deliver what they promised on time scales in getting pics back?

 

Also ask the photographer/s you contact some questions: What does their price include exactly? (i.e. travel, editing) How many pics will you get and how will they be delivered to you? What can you use them for? This is a good thing to ask because many people don’t fully understand, or consider, image copyright. The majority of photographers are protective of it and depending on what you’re paying for a shoot may well not give you the rights to use the images for just ANYTHING you wish (i.e. artwork or merchandising) without further payment.

 

During the shoot: Ask to see the pics as the shoot progresses. Trust the photographer’s opinion and direction - being asked to move a few millimetres might seem strange to you but to the camera it might make a big difference. Don’t be afraid to have input though, if you want to try something then ask. Try to relax and think of it as acting, which it is…especially helps if it’s your first shoot. Make sure you’re happy with everything before the end of the shoot.

 

After the shoot: Tell the photographer if you’d like any further editing done to the images you get back. Most photographers don’t like other people editing their pics and would rather you asked them to change something than do it yourself or ask a designer to do it. Remember, you paid for their services so make sure you get what you want.

 

And last of all, if you’re happy with your experience, tell other people about it! This will be useful to friends or other bands looking for pics, as well as the photographer who I’m sure will thank you for helping to promote them to others.