HOW TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT BAND PHOTO!
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- čas přidán 13. 07. 2024
- Here is how your band can achieve the perfect band photo!
Massive thank you to @marianneharris and @kelodown for an amazing day! - go and check them out!
Let me know your thoughts below!
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Hey! I'm Damian Keyes and I've worked with musicians every day of my life for the past 20 years. The internet is deeply untrusting understandably and here is my background so you can have the full picture.
When I was 18, I was signed to a major label (dropped 6 months later) and at 23 I co-founded a Music University in Europe called BIMM (valued at $300M). I’m also a bass player, I’ve played for a number of artists including Eric Clapton, Alanis Morrisette and Billy Cobham. I initially retired at 30, but realised that life gets boring if you’re not building!
I have always been in-between the music industry and education which is how I ended up building my CZcams channel - I’ve been teaching artists how to release music long before it was a ‘niche’! I now educate artists around the world with my Academy, CZcams channel and I work directly with labels internationally alongside owning a live agency and management company.
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📈 FREE 23 Day Plan For Your Next Music Release: training.dk-mba.com/23dayplan
LET’S GET SOCIAL:
📲 Instagram: @damiankeyes1
📲 TikTok: @damiankeyes
🌎 1-1 Consultations: damiankeyes.com/consultation
✉️ Email: hello@dk-mba.com
ESSENTIAL VIDEOS TO RELEASE YOUR MUSIC:
🎬 How To Release A Single In 2023 (The 23 Day Plan) - • How To Release A Singl...
🎬 How To Release Music With No Money In 2023 - • How To Release Music W...
🎬 I Got This Artist 1M Views In 7 Days And Here’s How - • I Got This Artist 1M V...
📚 MY BOOKS:
Stop Selling Music: amzn.to/2YGWI9c
The Rule Breaker's Guide To Social Media: amzn.to/2N1bwtV
👇 ABOUT ME:
Hey! I'm Damian Keyes and I've worked with musicians every day of my life for the past 20 years. The internet is deeply untrusting understandably and here is my background so you can have the full picture.
When I was 18, I was signed to a major label (dropped 6 months later) and at 23 I co-founded a Music University in Europe called BIMM (valued at $300M). I’m also a bass player, I’ve played for a number of artists including Eric Clapton, Alanis Morrisette and Billy Cobham. I initially retired at 30, but realised that life gets boring if you’re not building!
I have always been in-between the music industry and education which is how I ended up building my CZcams channel - I’ve been teaching artists how to release music long before it was a ‘niche’! I now educate artists around the world with my Academy, CZcams channel and I work directly with labels internationally alongside owning a live agency and management company.
It’s great to meet you and looking forward to working together on your music!
-------
Distributor Recommendations:
✅ Get 7% Off Distrokid - bit.ly/3jd1Ie5
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Every local band I know just does the brick wall. Kills me
Hahah I know right!
We did photos in front the ruins of an old 19th Century Grist Mill on our home town and the coffee shop where we had some of our first shows (as we are very proud of our origins).
Paris Thalheimer that’s cool! And means something. But like 1/2 of my friends bands are just them standing in front of a random brick wall. While it’s cool it doesn’t like convey anything other than that they’re a band
The Ramones owned it with the brick wall... but other bands, not so much.
WHATS WRONG WITH A BRICK WALL
It’s easy if you’re a metal band, you just stand there in your cargo shorts and band shirts and look menacingly at the camera (add black and white filter for extra brutality)
Haha always the black and white filter!
ahahaha. Defo has its place I'd say!
Good idea
I am about to be releasing my bands first single and we are about to take our photo for the release and this video was sooo helpful!
Amazing!! Good luck for it 😊😊
This is so exciting! Best of luck with it 😁
Same!!
Nice!! The Wild are from our home town!
AWESOME content. Your vids are getting better and better. The dynamic is lovely.
Thanks man! Appreciate that 🙏🏻
I'm a budding photographer who has a shoot with a band this week, and this is exactly the info I needed to insure I get them the best quality pics. Thank you so much!
Nice to see you doing more of the creative stuff 😉 I have some styling tips coming up so that works nicely haha
Thank you for making this video! I was really looking forward to this one!
Thanks so much 😊😊
great video dude, really enjoyed it!! learned some great stuff, i want to up my photos after watching this haha
This couldn't have been better timing! My band's first photoshoot is on Monday and this video really helped me feel less nervous and know what to expect. Thank you!!
Thanks so much!! Good luck for it,
You’ll be amazing!
That drummer statement was BRUTAL, bless him.
I’m hopefully going to have my first professional gig with a band within the next month and needed an idea on how to start! Thanks for the info!!
Great content, I needed to see this, I always had some problems with photos, it's going to help me in the future. Thanks Damian!
Awesome! Thanks so much 😊
This is a super relevant video Damo, as I'm a photographer and videographer (as well as having my own band) and if you don't mind, I'm gonna share this on my facebook page to encourage bands in my area to get proper photo shoots done.
I’d love you to share the video! Thanks dude 😊😊
Great information! And that upside down house location is gold
Amazing place right! Thanks so much 😊
Thank Damo, we've got our shoot coming up real soon ready for release, we will be taking this into account for sure.
Awesome!! Good luck with it 🙌🙌
Hey! After this whole quarantine thing is over, I am shooting a couple of local bands! This was really helpful! I always knew the brick wall is a joke at this point, but these are genuinely some good tips for these upcoming shoots of mine!
Great vid Damo... Kelodown are just above our band Cry for Mercy on the back of the Breaking Bands Festival tshirt🤘👍... We'll deffo check them out
Brilliant video
Great video Damo! Will definitely have to do this. We don't really have a photo budget, but we know friends who are photographers and two of us have worked as professional photographers in the past one as a photojournalist and the other at weddings.
Awesome!! Good luck with it 😊😊😊
Excellent Damo, loved this. I'd like to see more about what went down in discussions about the clothes. Bands can be the WORST for this!
I'm gonna be taking more selfies with this advice whether or not I have a band
Hahaaa love it
This was a fantastic video. So, so helpful.
Really glad you liked it 😊😊
Great video. Band photo shoots can be sho painful without some good direction. Really useful tips.
This is exactly what I need to here
Great advice, especially the preplanning part. What advice would you give for solo artists? Also, how often should you do a photoshoot?
When Marianne said artists need to be doing something with their hands, the first thought that popped up into my head, definitely wouldn't be appropriate for a professional band photo shoot.
As opposed to limb hanging arms is what I meant. FILTHY mind! :P x
@@MarianneHarrisOfficial haha I can't help it! Thanks for the comment/reply! Your work looks amazing. You did a great job here. I may be in touch with you at some point after my debut single release : ) Thanks again x
@@timfletchermusic Thank you so much! And yes, do it, would love to work with you. marianne@marianneharris.co.uk drop me a line
@@MarianneHarrisOfficial Thanks a lot will be in touch : )
Great video. My band, Metal Edge Assassin Team, just finished a new EP and needs new band photos! This is great info. I'm pasting this link on my Facebook page:)
There is a lot of info out there on photography and many people nowadays have DSLR's capable of getting good quality pictures. I dabbled with photography in the past and made around 5-6 album covers for musicians using my DSLR and 2 speedlights and a bit of photoshop work. If you can afford a professional who knows what they're doing though, you will not waste time and extra resources. Great video Damo, it reminded me of my photoshooting days, cheers
Loved this one.
Awesome thanks so much 😊😊😊
Great advice enjoyed watching your video
Thank you! Glad you liked it 😊
Useful 👍
Youve found a top class photographer there Damian!
Yep she’s amazing!
When you have a photoshoot tomorrow and this pops up... Good thing I'm hitting most of these points haha!
Love that!! Good luck for it 🙌🙌
Really liked this video! 👍 Would be cool if you made a similar video, but instead of photos, you're diving into the world of music videos!
Your videos have helped my band a lot with our Instagram! Cheers from Sweden! 🤘😎🤘
Could you tell about lens and suggested camera settings please?
This may be my favorite video of yours. Killer
Ahh thanks so much 😊😊
Stop Reading my mind!! I was looking for information for a photoshoot! Nice!!!
Haha love this!! 😊😊
@@DamianKeyes btw!! Thanks for all the tips! I'm working on my first release and your channel is a key source of ideas!!!
Damo! Any other/differing tips for solo artists??
Great video. Love collaborating with others to get great results
Creative collaborations are the best :)
Ooh. Solo artists. Don't mind jumping on here haha. I would say research beforehand for style, composition, locations, poses that are on brand and define your brand first if you haven't already :) If you go with an idea of how you're going to pose and what you want as the outcome, it will be a more successful and comfortable shoot.
You're releasing videos just as I need them! It's starting to get scary...
It's even better if someone's studying photography and they use the photos as schoolwork!
Excellent video - how a photo shoot should be done!
I was in a band 25 - 30 years ago. On one band rehearsal, our lead singer turned up with his wife & camera and said "Right, we're gonna do a photo shoot tonight, my wife is gonna take the photos". No advance warning, nothing. I hadn't shaved, & I hadn't washed my hair so it was greasy. I looked like crap. I thought to myself, "Yeah, thanks for the warning". It was so unprofessional.
Do you think it can be a differentiator if the band photos are a bit more mysterious to the identity of the individuals since most band photos all look the same? For example, shooting with a lot of shadows, profiles or even with their backs to the camera in front of a wicked backdrop?
I think anything can work as long as it’s on brand. The more creative and unique the better 😊
I think it depends what vibe you're going for. Being mysterious works if you purposely don't wish people to know the identity of your band members, or if it specifically fits your branding. But as a general rule I'd say that whatever image you go for it just needs to be great and look pro, because industry will see that as you caring about your music and your brand, and that'll make you more attractive as something they should invest in too.
Love it, having just dealt with this issue, and as I continue thinking about it, this video really helps
Another good tip if you're using an amateur/hobby photographer is to take your photo of the band with only 1 band member looking straight into the camera. It looks less artificial/weird than having them all gorming into the lens.
If you look at most of the band photos from the 60s (and other decades to an extent) you'll notice that only 1 person from a typical 4 or 5 piece band is actually giving eye contact to the camera. It's a good way of taking band photos, and if the big groups from the 60s like The Who, Small Faces, Kinks, etc did it then it can't be bad.
Even if you're a solo artist you should have your photographer make use of this method and get them to take some photos where you're not looking straight down the camera lens 👍
Hi I just found your channel I would like to know if you could give us more info on if it's possible uploading 1 song on 2 different artist accounts
This came up on my suggested videos.
Hahah almost every musician I know fails on this front. The funny part is that the pro musicians are the most hopeless. They don't even have a clue about presentation. I mean in an ideal world we shouldn't have to, but the fact is we do. Most of the time it doesn't even cross their mind and in some cases they think "Why should I?" even. You'd also be surprised how few pro musicians have anything to show in terms of high quality images, recordings, videos, well produced content, etc., even though they make a living from it! I guess it's too easy to be lazy and use the excuse "but I am a musician" excuse, but you're only sabotaging yourself by thinking that way.
On the other hand there are people who can't even play (or sing, whatever) that spend all their time taking photos pretending they're musicians. So I guess there are both extremes of the spectrum.
I haven't done the brick wall, but have done the wall covered in graffiti. In my defense, it was the photographer's choice and it looked pretty decent. Recently we just did a proper shoot in the studio with a really great photographer we know. Definitely makes a huge difference.
We also had a "post apocalyptic movie poster" style image made up from the shoot too. Well, I should say my gf did. She arranged the whole thing as a gift since she knows it's pointless to get me anything not related to music. Haha.
Totally agree to the both sides of the spectrum thing. I think it can be totally overwhelming to add all this stuff onto musicians, on top of everything else there is to think about. Your gf did good! haha :)
@@effisummerscreative Absolutely. I'm pretty sick of having to do 30 people's job, however, the fact is I have to. It's just the way it is. It's not that I don't resent the fact that we live in a world where being the best at your instrument and having a library of material is not enough and other people should be doing the other jobs, it's that I accept that whether I resent that or not, whether I like that or not, it's TOO BAD. The fact is, that's the reality. Nobody else is gonna do it. I don't do it all because I want to, but because that's what it takes. People forget it's not just about doing things you like and want to do. You do what you have to do. I just try to remind myself that at least that gives me control over many aspects and less chance of other people ruining things, haha. That makes me feel a bit better about it.
On the other end of the spectrum, a lot of musicians sit in a bedroom and expect someone to magically find them and sort everything out for them. To be fair, that's pretty ridiculous too, because why should anyone invest in them or do anything for them? They didn't even do anything for themselves. I wouldn't invest (not just money, time or effort too) in some musician like that even if I found them. Not to mention, a lot of those folks didn't even do the work to be competent on the music side and yet expect people to give them a career on a plate. I figured this is because they're just not cut out to do the work on either side. I mean they can't even do the work to reach a high level on their given instrument, so it's not surprising they don't want to be bothered with the technical side of things, the management side of things and the marketing side of things.
It's kinda complicated, so I am just gonna get on with what I am doing and not worry about everyone else. Haha.
Kongo Music I get you. I don’t think any musician could be successful without an incredible amount of work ethic and the right attitude. And it is better just to crack on and do what you can, to the best of your ability.
@@effisummerscreative I know. Haha. You're right about that! The most ludicrous part is when people think it's easy or fun when it's pretty much the opposite. I don't do it because it's fun (at least not in a frivolous way) and I guarantee it's harder than (almost) anyone else's job. I do it because the craft of music needs to evolve and the world needs to learn more about what is possible, so that resistance to anything beyond painting by numbers tunes is removed. I just hope that can be done in a lifetime, at least to some degree and doesn't take 1000 years.
Kongo Music Haa yes the creative careers are very difficult in their own way, especially when it comes to mindset and dealing with rejection. Anything subjective comes with a difficult terrain. I feel that anything that involves pushing boundaries or improving an industry comes with a great deal of barriers to break through, although I don’t have a problem with the simple stuff, music is for everyone. But I get what you’re saying :)
Great advice. Some tips for solo musicians would be appreciated.
I would research thoroughly beforehand; concept, location, clothing and get an idea of what you want to achieve. Make an inspiration board too, to give you an idea of poses etc :) If you go with a clear mind of how you're going to pose and what you want to achieve, it will be much easier 👍🏼
yay me and my band bathtub killing
Are there any additional considerations for solo artists? Given there is literally less people in the shot, does the location need to be a little more interesting than for a band?
I think the most important element of a band portrait is the subject more than the location...a good background is just a bonus, so no..I don't think so. Make the shot about the subject. :)
Mar is the best in the biz!
DUDE!
@@MarianneHarrisOfficial I've been following you since you first started working with the Broco lads, I was promoting them at the time and they were bigging you up something rotten haha! I hope you never stop doing what you're doing and thank you for the endless amount of incredible images and videos you put out!
@@MazDeff This is so cool!!
I totally agree with your opinion about haircuts and beards. I'm so over the hipster look with lumberjack beards, as well as unkempt hair. And the brick wall background is just very contrived and dull. The visual aspect of the band is just as important as the audio aspect. Bands need to be more creative and aware of what they are trying to convey with their image. Some people say "don't judge a book by its cover", but the majority DO judge a book by its cover and always when it attempts to pick them up! Great video. :-)
Could you do another one like this for solo acts? Still great pointers to take away for solo acts from this video but I feel the solo singer songwriters need more help on this front than bands. Bands have multiple minds and opinions to give their 2 cents but solo artist are usually left to their own devices with maybe another person or two. Heck I’ve done 90% of my photo shoots by myself and I see terrible photos all the time for promotional stuff. I just moved away from Nashville and in Nashville it’s almost sad seeing the same shot but like 100 different artist using almost the same exact shot.
Imo, it's a lot easier to work with solo artist. I have no troubles to take photos of one person pretty much anywhere, than trying to direct 4 people at the same time on location that is accessible to general public. Find a director, not a camera man, and you'll be surprised by results. Photographer has to be a director and stylist, not just a person who will click that button.
There is a bit of contradiction there, about putting singers/girls in the front, while also focusing on telling a story within the photo. IMO old photos of say Halestorm and Within Temptation where the (female) lead singer stands in front of the guys with her arm out to the side is painful to look at.
Putting the singer front and center is a classic, but also a cliché - so a band who does something different might actually have a story to tell and an interesting photo. But of course only if the band has a good story and reason for it. Check out Morten Rygaards shoot of the band BAEST, which is amazing. Or a lot of the newer Nine Inch Nails after Atticus Ross was made a permanent member - the shoots tell that story!
A very informative video! Personally I think Graffiti shots are cliché... I’m also a fan of bright colored pics with a monolithic background.
I'm thinking having my band in suits and ties and stand together to look like a corporation. Sort of a Mad Men vibe that could be interpreted as ironic when it really isn't meant to be.
Hello! does anyone know any kind of live online course regarding to all the things Damian teaches? in my country doesn't exist this kind of production, only sound engineering. I want to learn songwriting theory, social media growth and all that kind of production. I really need help! thanks a lot!
Hey! At the moment I’m working on courses, but I also have an exclusive community where you can download PDFs to help with your career, I do weekly live-streams and provide daily content 😊😊 if you’re interested, head to Damiankeyes.com/exclusive-community 😊
@@DamianKeyes thanks Damian!
What kind of photographer should we get? I mean what tools and experience should he or she have? $300 is a lot for us but if I know it will give me a return, of course I will do it. Thanks!
What happened to this band KeloDown? 2020 was last IG post? What?
TOOL
Their image in the 90s, especially in the video for the song Hush
2:08 worst movie death of all time
Why should you have to put women at the front of your shots? Still isn’t clear to me. Is it equal to be a women, or is it better to be a woman?
It's not about that, it's not about equality. Ladies in bands are still uncommon, and for many people that's interesting. From a PR, and a business point of view it makes sense not to hide them at the back of photos. And especially when they are the vocalist, who should be at the forefront of any press image. As a photographer who's shot hundreds of bands, as well as someone who also works as an artist manager, as well as a whole host of other roles in music, I would always recommend to bands that they would be wise to use every asset at their disposal to help sell their band to others.
Thanks for taking the time to explain your stance a little further.
Firstly, I would have to ask, who is ‘hiding’ their band members in their publicity shots. What’s your definition of ‘hiding’ exactly? Do you mean people being in the background of an image?
Surely, if you’re taking a picture of a band, everyone in the band is in the image.
You could also ask ‘why are bass players or drummers typically ‘hidden’ at the back, or the edge of the picture?’ Why are lead vocalists usually at the front, regardless of gender? Surely it’s more dependent on who has what role within the band.
Seemingly, from your response, you’re totally prioritising gender over band dynamic. I fundamentally disagree with that, no matter how interesting it may be to some people.
What happens if you have a male lead vocalist, but your bass player is female. Should the bass player be at the front simply because they are female? Will that not confuse the audience viewing the image? Could people possibly assume that your bad has a female singer?
What if you have a female lead singer AND a female bass player, but male drummer and guitarist? Should the women be front and centre simply because they are women because that’s just more interesting? Does that mean that men are then being ‘hidden’ at the back of the picture? And if so, is that better? Does that make your band more interesting?
This way of thinking sees the women in a band as a publicity ‘asset’ and a creative ‘trick’, rather than a equal member of a band. That could end up being problematic.
People: Treat your band members equally. Men and women should be equal. Don’t prioritise anyone based on their gender. Make sure everyone in your band is clearly visible in your photo. Ideally, your publicity shots should represent your music. And if you’re thinking of ‘hiding’ anyone in your band at the back of the image, maybe rethink the staging of your shoot.
Men and women are equally interesting. Just make sure the music is kick ass.
Good luck fellow creatives!
This is fantastic