Your visuals are often the first thing a potential fan will see, before deciding to play or skip. So what makes a visually striking artist or musician portrait, or promo shots?
In my opinion? It's all about light. Of course posing, makeup and styling all play a major role in the visual language you use as a musical artist, tying it all together. But in photography, without good light? You've basically got nothing.
In my native Finnish the word photography is "valokuva". Valo meaning light and kuva, you guessed it – Picture. It's literally "light picture", as in without light it there is no image.
In Studio and On Location
In studio it's possible to build any kind of light and mood we want with a number of flash light modifiers, colour gels and lens filters.
Some of the same techniques can also be applied on location combining off-camera flash with ambient light. We can even make midday look like night by controlling white balance, letting only a little of the ambient reach the sensor and lighting the subject with a flash.
Your Vision
The type of look and light to go after can take form of your vision, album or single material, or simply a vibe or inspiration. The goal is always to accomplish your artistic vision. I'm always happy to recommend options and make your ideas real. I've had the pleasure to work with amazing artists in various genres like rock, rap, metal, electronic and alternative music styles.
I've played guitar in rock and metal bands myself and have done a fair amount of producing music as well, so I always have the artist's priorities in mind.
Makeup and Styling
Makeup can be an amazing asset in photography to add another visual layer to the image. It can be a story telling device as well with the location and lighting. If you like I'm happy to organise a Makeup Artist and Stylist as well.
Several Use Cases
Headshots for a DJ are not the same as an album cover for a band. If you play electronic music at events, every promoter will ask for a headshot for posters and social media. It's important to nail this one image, as you'll probably be using this same shot over and over and over again for several festivals, events and social media graphics, often for years. The last thing you need is a bad mugshot.
Ready to Start Your Photoshoot?
I love working with artists to fulfill their vision. To book a Dublin studio session in minutes please choose one of the Creative Studio Photoshoot packages through the calendar below, or fill in the contact form to get a tailored quote.
For more inspiration feel free to browse more examples of studio or location photography.
