Q&A: Karen McBride, photographer

Manchester music’s movers and shakers give us their unique perspective on the best (and worst) of working with unsigned acts…

Karen McBride is a photographer. She has worked with Oasis, Scissor Sisters and countless Manchester bands.

Favourite Manchester band:
The Ambersons, The Virgin Mary’s, Paris Riots, Kids on Bridges, Suzuki Method.
 
What’s the best way for unsigned bands to approach you?
Through my website – www.karenmcbride.com
 
How can they make an impression?
Self belief is very important - be cool about what your achieving and don’t tell the photographer your doing them a favour; it’s team work at the end of the day.
 
What’s you biggest bugbear when it comes to dealing with unsigned bands?
Lack of appreciation or understanding of how important good press and creative pictures are to the life of a band.

Top tip for unsigned bands:
Build a good relationship with the photographer you choose to work with - look after them and they will look after you. Don’t assume a mate with a digi cam is enough.. It’s not.

A good working music photographer knows the industry and what it wants from shots - take advantage of that. Spending money on recording and so on clearly is essential, but then so is the packaging.