I asked that he give some insight into the relationship between photography and the artist, and he has quite graciously provided the following:
Photography and the Musician
The photographer is the painter of light, and the musician is the master of sound. Music is not exactly something I have much skill in creating. I have always had a passion and ear for music but never so much on the skill side of things. But I have on the other hand had some success in photography, both as a passion and a skill. I have had a passion and desire for many years to do photography for musicians, both in portraiture as well as conceptual album cover art. I want to capture visually what the musician is telling me. A picture is worth a thousand words? I want to place a thousand words to a song or artist. But, what do I try and aim for? Photography is tricky and creativity is trickier still. However there are some things that remain constant.
What makes a good photo for a musician? Well, capturing their sounds and personality. That is the first step. But secondly is good lighting. Matching the light to your subject is key. Someone with a harsher sound might want an edgier photo; this could relate to very harsh light such has having an image where everything but one small part of the subject is black. For a softer sound having a softer light would work well, with a nice even lighting leading to that smooth skin complexion. There is no need to go and do something cliché with portraits, so DON’T pose musicians with there instrument. The people seeing these headshots often know that this person in the photo plays something. Keep it clean and professional. A few quick tips for quick simple and classy portraits.
1. Don’t stand parallel to the camera lens. Tilt/turn your shoulder into the camera lens a little bit.
2. Bring your chin out and your forehead toward the camera slightly.
3. Place subject at a solid background for ease. But do not place them right up against the background because it will make the subject look flat. Also for professional purposes a smile isn’t exactly the best choice for everything. A pleasant expression usually means I don’t want to see you frowning.
4. Band and group photos are a lot harder but these basic rules apply.
Although I said no instruments, it is occasionally important to get the instrument for the musicians themselves, as well as for fans who want to see it with their favorite musicians. Just make sure to capture the sound of the artist in some manner. Bands often pose with their instruments for at least one or two photos so that the audience will know who they are in relation to their position. To all you musicians out there. Be kind to your photographer, work well with them, and bring various outfits and makeup weather you are a guy or a girl.
A few examples of some good music photos:
Being creative for musician photos means find new angles as well as using color to light the scene the way you want it. This was an image for a custom guitarist.
This image is lovely in that it really shows the soft light that I mentioned, also it is important to get the eyes in focus as well as the ability to capture emotion.
When capturing someone, it is important to get a good light on him or her and a good moment. Also when there is no studio mind your backgrounds. Compose the image and wait for the light if you cannot modify it.
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