5 Photographers To Take Your Next Press Shots
How you present yourself on your social media is essential to your branding. Your online image is one of the most fundamental components to your success; your audience want to be as excited visually as they are musically. This also applies to how you present yourself as a musician/artist.
Picking a photographer to capture exactly how you want to be perceived is tough job, especially as you are also having to consider budget, location, and a good relationship between you both. We have compiled a list of photographers and spoken to them about their pricing and what each photographer finds important in their working relationships. This way, you can start thinking about how you want to come across to your audience and start making that dream a reality.
Willow Shields
Photographing for three years now, Willow discovered her love through her passion for fashion magazines and then taking photos of her friends at gigs. She has photographed the likes of Alex Rice from Sports Team and FEET throughout her career and her rates vary dependant on the individual so that everyone is welcome. With her photography being very ‘fashion forward’ and says the focus is on getting images that everyone is happy with!
Looks for in an artist: “Artists who’s IG she can take inspiration from and mirror in her work.”
Massive put off: “If the artist didn’t respect women, POC or photographers.”
AJ Stark
Working professionally for a year now, AJ has a degree in cinematography under his creative belt. Capturing Bristol’s local legends such as Katy J Pearson and Grandmas House, he recently won Rough Trade’s ‘Best Live Gig Picture of 2020’ award. Shooting exclusively analogue, the overall cost of his services will depend on how much film is used and how many rolls are needed, AJ describes his photography as “authentic and natural”.
Looks for in an artist: “Good music.”
Massive put off: “Suggesting he works for ‘exposure’ as it makes all freelancers cringe.”
Hollie Dyes Shepherd
Freelancing for around three years, shooting music shows and portrait, Hollie started her career shooting as grassroot venues such as The Boileroom in Guildford. Inspired by Andy Warhol and Mick Rock, she has shot live images of Liam Gallagher, Foals and St Vincent. Her ideal venues are grassroots, and her rates vary dependant on artist - although please don’t ask her to work for exposure! “I would describe [my photography] as unplanned and nostalgic!” Her career highlight was at All Points East photographing the Yala! Records stage and sneaking off to photograph Jarvis Cocker, “I nearly cried from being in such close proximity to him, I’m a big Pulp fan.”
Looks for in an artist: “There’s definitely no set criteria but it’s great if we’re fans of each other before and the connection has grown organically.”
Massive put off: “Nothing really springs to mind, but if you’re inclusive and good people I’d love to work with you!”
Indy Brewer
Starting photography professionally in March 2019, Indy career highlights include photographing Catfish and the Bottlemen, Bastille, Jade Bird and Starcrawler. She states, “My style is quite eclectic, but I usually focus on capturing the artist’s personality and personal aesthetic. Photographing the indie scene has definitely influenced my portraits! I like to make people feel like they were there in the moment.”
Indy has set rates however, is open to negotiation for smaller bands. She is also a fan of band’s prepping a mood board before a shoot to help get the overall theme!
Looks for in an artist: “I’ll enjoy their music and they’ll have a cool visual style that fits mine.”
Massive put off: “If the artist has allegations against them or have been nasty to others. Otherwise, I’m open to working with anyone!”
Ruth Medjber
Finding her ‘eureka’ moment aged fourteen when she realised she could combine her passion for music and photography, Ruth Medjber made it her life mission to become a music photographer. Describing her photography as ‘loud but intimate’, she has shot Beyonce, Metallica and Green Day at festivals as well as going on tour with Arcade Fire and Hozier. With email her preferred method of communication, she takes into consideration all variable factors when charging bands (signed vs unsigned). “There’s never one set price really but I do like to keep things affordable for emerging acts as I know how tight money can be in the first few years.”
Looks for in a band: “I have to be able to visualise their sound.”
Massive Put off: “I love a good challenge so it’s very rare I’d turn something down without trying it”
Words by Jasmine Hodge
@ObviouslyItsJaz
* Please do reproduce any of the images in this post without permission. *