13 MISTAKES to AVOID when Taking Band Photos

[@Mettalchin]

I've binge watched videos on photography, lighting and everything else in between and I can say with the utmost confidence, this is, hands down, one of the best damned collections of photography tips I've watched! 🤘

[@Kya_the_camera_dog]

Agreed

[@BlueTransAm83]

Yea I haven't started REC or anything really. Just testing BS REC tests. Mix tests. VST tests I may not even use. Dumb stuff. Then will flip to my normal channel when stuff is ready. But yea good stuff.

[@The_Buff_Guy]

Hey, welcome to Glenn’s channel, get used to this level of quality.

[@riffedwood5597]

Thank you for saving me all that time. I just got handed down a Nikon d3100 beginner camera with a couple lenses and am finally confident enough with its features. I’ll make sure to reference this video of Glen yelling at me when I need a reminder

[@russellhltn1396]

One lesson I've learned: Lighting is far more important than the quality of the camera/lens. A mediocre camera with good lighting will blow away a good camera with mediocre lighting.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Agreed!

[@leoncorbett4553]

You don’t even need a good camera you just need a phone and to know how to take a good photograph with it.

[@h.markhorton8188]

This guy is just great!😅🎉😊

[@Hlecktro]

First thing I bought when I started photography was two battery powered stick-lights and speedlights. I probably have used them in 80% of my shots. Super useful.

[@stevef4930]

Been saying it for years

[@cowbellstudios6326]

F**k band photos, this will improve my tinder profile!

[@barneyclifton6402]

Tinder is a sad excuse for picking up women. Depressing that people use it so frequently.

[@IainFrame]

@@barneyclifton6402 Mate it's only a joke.

[@athmaid]

@@IainFrame even if it wasn't, some people have a hard time approaching people in real life. Tinder can definitely help with building up some courage

[@palukens]

You meant Grinder right?

[@gabrielm5724]

@@barneyclifton6402 found the incel

[@swistedfilms]

Regarding the girlfriend with a camera: let her take photos of the band while they're practicing. They may not all be the best, but candid photos of the band doing what they do can be some of the best and most iconic photos at the end of the day. Sure, they're likely to be high ISO, badly framed, etc. But they're also likely to capture the real essence of the band. So if she's going to show up anyway then give her something to do. I promise you, at least a few of them will be useful.

[@mrbeaker8188]

Sounds like solid advice to me

[@thisdyingsoul76]

One of my old bands did that. We got some really cool shots of the singer flipping out when the rest of the band vetoed his idea to rip off Pearl Jam. 😂😂😂😂 We also got some great road shots a few weeks later of the rest of us deciding to fire him because we realized after being stuck in a van with him for 48 hours to play 3 gigs over a weekend, that we probably commit murder if we ever did a cross country tour with him. 😂😂😂

[@ridleysomeliana-lauer5814]

Only found myself in that situation once. We did a small run of 12” vinyl and got to use the photos my girlfriend took of us all for the inside of the sleeve and the insert. It’s still reallly neat to look at.

[@soulsphereproductions7009]

Best advice I ever recieved when editing photos with photoshop or any other image manipulation software is to; (whatever attribute you're adjusting), adjust it to where you think it looks good, then back it off a few points, then back it off even a few more. Subtlety is key 👌

[@LordBaktor]

I used to do color grading for short films and every slider tended to end up halfway where I put it initially.

[@swanofnutella4734]

I did some touch up for an aspiring actress, and was baffled by how extreme she wanted me to go. She was already young and attractive, and she looked great in the photos, but she wanted me to remove any trace of wrinkles around her eyes to the point she looked like something outta the cantina scene in starwars. I warned her "Sometimes less is more" ...oh well.

[@SHREDTILLDEAD]

Nope

[@soulsphereproductions7009]

@@SHREDTILLDEAD what are you noping at?

[@BoltRM]

@@swanofnutella4734 Take out all flaws & you end up looking fake. The last thing you want.

[@PotatoflakeJake]

The amount of quality learning content on this channel is insane

[@david_a_uno]

So true -

[@robertfalse9063]

1) Buy a medieval weapon from a mall 2) Put on chains and leather 3) Got to basement 4) Take low res camera and threaten it 5) Take that pic to the library and photocopy the photocopy 5 times over Magic

[@VortechBand]

Also works for the mix

[@valurautakattila]

To me Devo's band photos are among the most memorable and imaginative of all time. Definitely something to take notes of but not necessarily mimic.

[@vyoufinder]

Making the time: I never understood this either. I did ski/snowboard photography with some of the world's most extreme skiers. There were several guys who easily could've been world famous, but when it came time to actually take the photos, they were unwilling to wait for the break in the clouds for the light, or unable to contain their adrenalin long enough to wait for the photographer(s) to be in position, or to land in the right spot, or whatever the case. They spent their lives practicing and honing, but then when the time came to show their stuff, impatience let it all slip by. I can't tell you how often this has been the case in all sorts of genres. I think it's the same for band shots or similar. You could be the best band in the world, but if nobody is willing to even sample your music, what good will that do you? Photos matter.

[@calvertphoto]

Speaking as a professional portrait photographer of many, many years, I wouldn't necessarily agree about avoiding folding arms, because it's defensive body language. Folding arms can also symbolise strong authority - if posed correctly. I use folded arms a lot on corporate portraits to give the subject a stronger presence. It doesn't work for everyone, but funnily enough, the corporate clients who object to folding arms because it looks defensive often end up choosing a shot of them... folding their arms! Admittedly, I don't shoot many bands, but the same principle could be adapted to them. Keep up the good work Glenn!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

From one professional to another, in this context it really does show discomfort.

[@strayingwill]

I’ve always had a terrible time with pictures and this has not only helped me a lot but also made me realize I should probably spend more time practicing posing for pictures than I did practicing my songs. Which won’t be hard since I’m a bassist and we never practice, but I’ll be sure to keep this in mind and learn more about it. Thanks, Glenn! Great video!

[@damienthorn1340]

Can confirm.

[@tool4eg]

Awesome video as always! Packed full of info As as photographer I can add some things of my own: - The No1 cliche location is an abandoned industrial building. - It's all in the eyes so make sure the are IN FOCUS! You can get away with a slightly unfocused face but if your eyes are out of focus, your picture will always look like shit. - Prior shooting day, make sure that the band receives clear and unmistakable clothing and styling instructions i.e what should they wear on the set. Also make sure each member will have more than one clothing combination. - Combs and towels/wipes on the set are a must. Nothing worse than a sweaty face or a messy hair on a photo - If your hands are growing out of your ass and you can't build kino lights by yourself, you can by a cheap youngnuo speedlite, a trigger, a softbox and a stand for a little more than a 100 bucks. Yes bass players, this is less than you weekly expenses on weed

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Yeah, those cheap speed lights are great! I’ve got several. SUPER portable!

[@tool4eg]

@@SpectreSoundStudios I have one as a secondary flash. Bought it second hand for 20 bucks

[@Lucas080602]

Hey Glenn! Just remembered the first photos my band took years ago... We couldn't pay for it, so we helped the guy (who later became a friend!) move to his new house in change for it. The first thing he asked us for in the photo session was to put some music and beers and shout and scream our lungs out. I have been never more embarrassed in my life, but he had a point: we weren't shy anymore that day. Try it the next time!

[@joedolenza7944]

Woods of Ypres!!! I have that disc! I used to talk to David Gold all of the time when he worked at HMV. Super nice guy, and also turned me on to very many bands. Was so sad to hear of his passing. RIP David.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

I’m not in a band and don’t care about photography but I loved this. Great job Glenn!

[@heckensteiner4713]

3 guys in leather and 1 guy in a Hawaiian shirt sounds like a FANTASTIC idea!

[@kane480]

My brother is a photographer and he's told me about a lot of this stuff and it just flew right over my head, kudos to you Glen for making it easy to grasp. Also I think we can forgive Sabaton for taking a band photo in a military graveyard, given the subject matter of their songs.

[@uncopino]

oh gosh i forgot how much fun this channel was! end of the video is hysterical

[@backspin6698]

My God, I laughed when I saw the Schytts picture. A Swedish band. We had in the 70's and 80's this "tradition" of "mature" dance bands. And yes, people actually did dance back then. But they all had hilarious clothing. Why? Because the tax authoritys. To get tax deductions on stage clothes, you have to prove that you only used them on the stage. And who would walk around with these terrible clothes. Especially from the year of shame 1977.

[@grayaj23]

I think all of us who were alive in 1977 would kill to keep any of those pictures from resurfacing. Me, age 11, wearing gray-and-red plaid bellbottoms, a blue shirt with a huge collar and a super-wide tie -- that in the 80's my mom had to show any girl I brought over... Mom, you're not helping.....

[@a-listercrowley2737]

@@grayaj23 bro, I would wear that today.... At least you had to come over to see embarrassing photos Nowadays they're all over social media

[@wickedlee664]

77--the commonly agreed upon year punk broke out like a case of zits. “It’s 1977 and we are going mad!”- I’d say a few of the coolest looking band photos of all time were snapped in 77.

[@sootkettle]

Flamingokvintetten "5" and "Bästa 1972 - 2007". There's a couple of album covers anyone would want to hide today ;-D

[@JoeShitTheRagMan_GravelGurdy]

Whaaaaat is that the reason?! I had no idea :D

[@Djfmdotcom]

This is a literal goldmine of basic photography advice for ANYONE. Even influencers. I swear to gad i wish I'd known this 20 years ago.

[@copykon]

So the ideal location for a band photo is a tunnel or bridge that the train tracks crosses over but you still get a +1 if there is a graveyard in the background. Double chins are a NO but a triple Chin is a YES. Additionally, you will look much cooler if your bass has new strings on it, otherwise leave it alone. Got it!

[@JDODify]

You convinced me... I'm gonna get a bunch of gravestones and position them alongside a train track for my photoshoot.

[@Falasi4]

Our bluegrass band did a simple pose with our instruments (could have arranged ourselves better) on a hillside with long grass so we ended up with a clean skybox behind us. Edited to B&W and grass colorized to blue and another version the same but with the antique-y look. Both were effective for having a pile of post cards with a band intro/contact info on the back. My daughter (fiddle) went to all the potential venues to give one in person to staff and 100% invited us to come play. Granted we only play for free and we tend to target nursing homes (pre-covid) but we all have jobs and enjoy taking live music to those that can't get out. Amazing how many talk to us after a gig and tell us about bands they have played in over the years.

[@a-listercrowley2737]

I just spent last night drinking with bluegrass music 🎶 Pretty dope!

[@drakonyanazkar]

Most bluegrass bands got it figured when it comes to band photos since Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys themselves. I mean... Take a look at covers for Flatt & Scruggs. It's pure joy. I think there's less awkwardness in Bluegrass than we find in Metal, given how much warmth there is in folk songs compared to nerds singing about misanthropia.

[@turdferguson2]

Sounds so cornball lol

[@BeachCat]

When I took a film course in college in Montreal in the 80's our teacher went to a teacher's convention in Toronto. Our school was beside a graveyard, The Toronto school was beside a highway. Both film class teachers experienced the same frustration of seeing endless student films that were shot in the same respective locations. Glen is right, a little effort and originality goes a long way.

[@ericsartanahorner]

I'm a solo artist, and have been using photo's of scenery on album's, being mysterious with my appearance. I think it's actually hurting my promotion potential... I have had no clue how to do it, without band members. Seeing this video, has inspired me. I think I'll finally get some promo shots going. Though its scarier, without a band haha... Thanks, Sir

[@7jackan7]

Playing solo is scarier than playing with a band, so you already have a head start, and it will solidify your image as not needing, or being with the band.

[@lichkrieg4898]

I always use psychedelic nonsense thrown together in photoshop or heavily filtered gore collages. Never even considered marketing myself as the artist, but it's the opposite with my actual band. Weird phenomenon.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

I lean towards comedic effect so I'd say just photoshop multiples of yourself in the same photo lol

[@HeathenDance]

You want to attract people through pictures, use one of a gorgeous woman, specially wearing a bikini. It doesn't matter if you're playing brutal death metal. If so, use a picture of that same woman holding a guitar.

"album's"… album's what?

[@Allie-w1l]

Hilarious and educational. Pretty clear that this subject is very important to you. I learned a lot. Loved the bit about the girlfriend attending band practice! 😆

[@jaykay6340]

Fun fact Photoshop was actually created to do the monster effects in James Cameron's The Abyss, and the very first iteration was created while buddy took a break from his PhD thesis.

[@WayCoolStudios]

Glenn, you hit it on the head with your knowledge of photography and what not to do in a photo shoot for a band. Years ago I made a living from behind the camera before digital was a thing. I shot Newspaper to Studio work and the info you have in this video will make for the best photos anybody could ask for! And best of all you backed it up with the truth, not hype! You knocked it out of the park again man!

[@franckydookie]

I use a good old classic Canon 500 and I'm very happy with the pictures I take with. On top of that you can find shit tons of used lenses for dirt cheap. Like a french singer said : If you wanna make films, you just need something that films. Saying "I don't have gear" or "no contacts" is a victim thing

[@andywason3414]

Good to know. Is 35mm film and processing still readily available at a reasonable cost?

[@franckydookie]

@@andywason3414 i don't know where you live but here it's cheap 🤷🏻‍♂️ (if it was a real question)

[@andywason3414]

@@franckydookie it was a real question! I've been a professional photographer in Ontario for fifteen years but only used film when I went to college in the early 2000's. I'd never checked the availability. It defiinitely makes you think about your shots more, because of the expense. Our instructors would make us shoot slides, as the lab doesn't make corrections on them.

[@franckydookie]

@@andywason3414 yeah sure ! I remember the time when numeric cameras didn't exist and we had to take THE good picture without knowing of it was good or not and the suspens after it, good times ! I have a friend who still use film

[@alderoth01]

Usually your videos sound a bit pretentious and full of personal gripes, but this one is spot on. Great job 👏 👍.

[@wickedlateok1697]

This is a great idea for a video. I was in a band a few years ago and we had a “professional” photoshoot at, of course, a graveyard AND a railroad track! Literally every single cliche and “not to do” tip is what that photographer did, including arms crossed, and even the “you and you look at the camera, while you two look away” shit. It looked horrible. He spent more time showing off his 2006 in-line-4 shitbox Camarro with 240,000 miles and doing donuts in the cemetary parkinglot than he did taking photos. We used those pics for over a year and I have no idea why. Wish you were there to do that shit instead. I was a bassist and even I knew better! Great vid

[@samringwald]

This is the softest and kindest I've ever seen Glenn. His passion for photography cannot be constrained by his gruff Canadian exterior.

[@saraloking5993]

😄

[@Dark_Lord_Mr_B]

I initially screamed NOOOOO! when I saw Sabaton in the cemetery, but in the context of one of their albums, it's not terrible. I still agree that they ought to be looking at the camera just a liiiiiiiitile more guys. Looking at you Joachim and Par!

[@eegoal]

that thumbnail is priceless hahaha

[@Necropheliac]

Here is an idea, if you get a bunch of different photo options, instead of simply deciding which ones the band likes the best, try to put together some kind of focus group with people who like that kind of music. You’d be shocked to find out that those photos you guys think are the best, are not the ones that your fans would like the best. A while back I found this service that does focus group on your photos and it’s really interesting to see that the photos other people like, are not the same ones I like.

[@ryanshinermusic]

The thing about the editing is spot-on. I've worked as a journalist so it's a little bit different for photo goals, but those skills and ideas still apply to something like this. Really the only thing anyone should be worrying about: Cropping and brightening. And then maybe some minor color correction. People want to see what you're showing them. Anything else - for the most part - you start to lose the authenticity of the subject. And despite what anyone else may claim, those types of photos don't end up nearly as well unless you're selling perfume or whatever. I've taken photos for people before and they were blown away by the quality of the photo just because I know how to shoot a subject. And then they got more mad when they realized how much money they shelled out on someone who didn't know what the fuck they were doing.

[@Savascream]

Ahhhhhhh, I got caught with my arms crossed!! 🤦🏼‍♂️😂 🤘🏻

[@grsfhhytff]

Excellent video, Glenn. We took our band photo in the cellar of a castle where William Wallace dumped the bodies of an entire English garrison (search for the Wallace Larder if interested in the history) but the paper background studio shots seem to be the way to go. Sending this video to the entire band. Cheers.

[@MetalArcade]

Never thought I'd be hearing about the Squinch on this channel, but as someone who has done photography for a while I can definitely say it makes a LOT of difference

[@charlesrocks]

Hey Glenn - Do you have a “So you’re starting a new band” playlist that I can share with new up and comers? This, and other videos you’ve made on the subject, should be mandatory education.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

That’s a great idea!!

[@snap-off5383]

First video: A "Haw haw" bit from Nelson. (The Simpsons)

[@STRETCHArtist]

Thanks!

[@Tomatenmark-Mark]

21:37 First: I totally agree with the "keep away from the graveyard" approach! However the Sabaton shot does actually fit (it's the WW2 memorial graveyard in Normandy) because a lot of their music is about WW2. Not complaining, just saying that something you might generally want to stay away from doesn't always apply in every situation. It may be the exact right thing to do. 😉

[@Herrierecordsinc]

You don't think Sabaton are disrespectful idiots? Strange...

[@mikoajfrycz884]

Hehe 2137

[@nickmaatjes5611]

@@Herrierecordsinc well said, they are kinda glorifying war with every song they write!!!!

[@flaccid6pancake]

@@nickmaatjes5611 To hell and back, The end of the war to end all wars, a lifetime of war, CLIFFS OF GALLIPOLI Mhm yeah definitely glorifying

[@wyldcraftdsgn]

You started yelling and then I subscribed! The advice on shooting seems super actionable and makes me feel better for not having "the best" camera yet and some better ways to ask questions to bands!

[@chrisj4570g]

I have it on good authority that Glenn has that cover of Wham! hanging on his studio wall and it’s been autographed by George Michael and that other guy

[@jeffjones1359]

First of all this thumbnail may be one of the most hilarious images in the history of all mankind. Second, from a former pro photographer, there’s a ton of excellent info here, (Thanks for the Cannon and the Luminar tips!) and your depth of friend demo was perfect. Great work Glenn! And I love your anamorphic lens.

[@Prykora]

This is a useful video. also, just saying to other viewers, with little investment in a greenscreen and a decent camera, you're studio just became multipurpose. music alone aint paying the bills these days!

[@andywason3414]

Believe me, neither is photography!

[@jackmaniacmusic]

I was so happy to see this in my subscription box, I’ve been waiting for this vid for a while

[@GothicLightingQueen]

Never in a million years did I expect to see an album cover of Schytts on this channel. They are so far from metal as can be. But an importand part of Swedish dansband history. Dansband is a genre that only really exist in Sweden and in to a lesser extend Norway, Finland and mabye Denmark

[@cfreeman5631]

I knew there was another reason I liked you, great photo advice. I've done some of this myself. You nailed it.

[@_d_h_]

Every single photo you used as a "failed example" I thought was amazing, haha. I think this honestly boils down to taste and whether you're into a professional photo or something more low-fi.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Get well soon!

[@alexalgarin8813]

I almost didn’t watch this because it’s photography and not recording, but I am so glad I did. That was a ton of very valuable information packed in a 20 minute video.

[@David-dl4vh]

The Illuminati finger triangle over the eye is a must have. I did that for my work photo just in case my higher ups are into that stuff.

[@cpfs936]

Yeah, can't forget something egdy ! 😉 Nice catch!

[@mikejarvis6797]

You are a Canadian, musical, Joe Pesci character with anger issues. Keep up the great work man, you're actually helping people.

[@The.Adam.D]

I took that “Fuck Wham!” extremely personal Glenn

[@rjkral]

OR KZbin THUMBNAILS!! Seriously though. I'm a pro musician and really enjoy your videos on music / recording. This was a double whammy as I never knew you're a photographer also, which I'm also big time into, (salivating over the Sony Aiv for example and a huge "Conspiracies" fan) so this here was one doubly awesome tutorial! Great advice, as always! 👍

[@aleksanderdjuran8010]

oh boy oh fuck oh yes! I need to show this to all the bands in my area 😂

[@TheSithking]

Not even in a band but this is gold for overall "insert human in photo" photography haha! Very nice Glenn thanks!

[@Boldark]

btw, this band in 7:33 its "Mojinos Escozíos" (rashes asses) and its like a rock/metal fun parody band, i mean, they don't take themselfes seriously at all (they play good music anyways), so thats why their band photos are fucking awful all the time hahaha

[@algorithminc.8850]

Wow ... really useful video ... great channel. Subscribed. Not sure why YT suggested it (electrical engineers?), but glad they did - more people in the world need to care about quality like you do. Lots of practical bits. Cheers ...

[@EternityofNight]

Darkthrone "A Blaze in the Northern Sky" had awesome band pics taken in a grave yard.

[@HeathenDance]

And several other legendary bands. Also with the musicians having their arms crossed. This video is very funny because it has so much bullshit, that it actually seems like it's supposed to be ironic, or comedy.

[@drchull]

Um, or maybe that is why it has become cliche. The point wasn’t that it can’t be good, it is that it has been over done.

[@Kiddenreal]

Just wanted to thank you for all the videos I’ve been learning a hell of a lot from you! You’re awesome bud!

[@APK-pn4qh]

Here's the most important tip for photos: do NOT let your part time thief / manager convince you to get a perm before the photos. You are welcome.

[@2112jonr]

This is excellent advice. Also (presumably) based on personal experience 😁🤘🇺🇦

[@APK-pn4qh]

@@2112jonr haha yes it is indeed.... 😁😉

[@TheOriginalEUrban]

15:43 Band with corpse paint in cemetery= Black Metal band. Band with corpse paint in high school gym= Juggalo tribute band

I make Bandphotos every once in a while, and it is difficult. Just like every Photography job where there is no CI or CD it is expected to understand what the band wants without the band ever telling you, because they often do not know it themselves, and they do not choose you because they think your style fits to their band, but because you are a friend or do cheap work or they like your work in general. Every other choice depends on the scene, old crappy camera with shitty dynamic range, no problem if your scene does not demand that. Fitting to the mood of the band is everything. it does not matter what you do or how you pose if it fits to the band. Double chin? No problem, if it is a funny band, and they are doing funny faces. Context is everything and even if the band does not know what they want to do not just make photos verbalize your idea and why it will work ... AND either it fits perfectly or it is the exact opposite. The message or the irony must be clear.

[@WinchurchGuitar]

I love your energy Glenn! It's real raw, honest, practical advice that IS actually relatable is what you are giving here delivered with vulgarity. My girlfriend and I love your videos. THANKS!

[@worksofein6449]

This was really interesting and fun. I did an impromptu photo shoot last week. My first in 10+ years cos I've always hated them. We did it on hike when passing through an old quarry and by a ship wreck. They turned out quite nicely so I'm good use them for my solo musical projects. My other project has members spread across the country so I've been drawing portraits in the band aesthetic instead of trying to combine separate photos. Gotta say though, a nice grave yard shot can look super cool and appropriate for a death or black metal band. It's kinda like the Marshall stack of extreme metal band photos.

[@riffgroove]

I'm frankly shocked that nobody mentioned the dreaded "Brick wall shot."

[@worksofein6449]

@@riffgroove do you remember that site with all the band photos on that were 98% brick wallers?

[@riffgroove]

@@worksofein6449 If I'm not mistaken... you're thinking of the "Hall of Douchebags" from Rock and Roll Confidential.

[@worksofein6449]

@@riffgroove that could be it! A gallery of hundreds of bad band photos?

[@riffgroove]

@@worksofein6449 Yeah, that's it. The site is no longer up, but the "Hall of Douchebags" got archived. Just Google search it.

[@johnchedsey1306]

So much great advice in here from gear to how to help people pose (which is very challenging, as I've learned over the course of many dozen photos shoots with models). I've been doing serious photography for years now and this is advice is spectacular. Another workhorse Canon camera to consider is their 6D body. It's 20 MP (for those who might need a little more of that) and one of the finest Canon ever made alongside the 5D series, albeit a couple hundred more on the used market. The 50mm lens is absolutely a gem. Ultimately a good lens is where it's at for quality shots. There is the "blue hour" right after the sun goes down that can create a specific mood, but you gotta work fast to use whatever remaining available light is left and in this case, newer camera sensors can help deal with noise when shooting with a higher ISO. I've done some urban shooting during the blue hour that has a cool vibe to it. One of your best videos, Glenn

[@iprayforapocalypse7109]

That why Slipknot wear a MASK.

[@abrackas1]

Still rocking my Nikon D700s which were the competitor to the Canon 5D. With digital the worst bang for your buck is digital bodies. Invest in high quality lenses, tripods, filters and they’ll last decades beyond the flavor of the week camera. With that said, like guitar, it’s not the gear that makes great art - it’s the person! Great video Glenn!

[@DarioToledo]

As a photographer I can only say THANKS. Especially for the advice #12. Any experienced photographer will already take care of all the other points, except the #13: a photog can't also be the art director, unless the band trusts him/her on deciding the mood for the shots. So imho #12 and #13 are really the points that musicians have to start with.

[@Taffer9876]

I have not laughed so hard in years. That thumbnail is the best. I can't stop laughing. I just love your attitude. I am the same way about things. I can just picture someone on a band shot like the one of you. I would never take them seriously. I also like the way you do not act like you are perfect. Talking about the mistakes you have made, but have learned from them is honorable. The only way to learn is through our mistakes. Thanks. You made my day:)

[@lucasliaskos]

Found this channel through your comment on a Camera Conspiracies video. Subbed, love your style Glenn!

[@Cobra-ky9bt]

The A/V kid who grew up to kick all the ass. The more I watch your channel, the more I like what you're saying.

[@garyk4417]

Great points, Glenn. During the pandemic I've been doing "virtual" open mics and it's unbelievable how many people don't pay attention to framing their shots. I get close-ups of guitar tuners, or my favorite, floating, bodiless, Wizard of Oz head. Nobody wants to see you sing unless that's all you do. If you play an instrument, solo or with a band, be sure that people can see you play!!!!!

[@joange1842]

That Mojinos Escozíos picture caught me by surprise! Epic and hilarious band!

[@JALNIN66]

So many things I wouldn't have thought of, because I'm not a photographer. Great advice! Thanks Glenn.

[@JonnyRocksAW]

Dude! One of Warren's thumbnails at Produce Like a Pro totally caught my eye the other day because of how good it looked! Good stuff 🤘

[@davidm6387]

What a high-value video. I already knew you were smart and I already knew you gave good advice, but this is too damn good. Also Sabaton gets a pass from me for posing in a cemetery because honoring the fallen is what they're all about.

[@andrewjames5957]

Not that my experience is band photos, but your comments on the eyes are so true, you can see by the 'have you taken it yet?' look in they eyes of many pictures, usually when I say 'smile for the camera' I'm already onto the 3rd or 4th pic and following it with a 'c'mon, really smile' and still taking pics while I'm chatting. I'm looking at about 10 or so pics and the difference between the first couple and the last couple is night and day as people have genuine smiles and are more relaxed... Basically, get your subject in the zone... Like an actor has to get into the part, so has any professional that wants to portray an image, they have to be that image, not someone loosely faking it...

[@ryanAcumming]

This is great! thanks for compiling all this information into one video!

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

My pleasure!

[@Mace907]

When I was in one band, we did a photo session for an album and we specifically brought along the cheapest crappiest film cameras we could to take the pics. We all had long hair and wore loose psychedelic shirts and jeans and we took our photos in some random field out of town. The band was kind of an early Smashing Pumpkins type thing so the blurry, distorted shots taken on random 50 year old film cameras with cheap lenses ended up looking perfect for the aesthetic of the band. Ended up using the portraits for the album liner notes and some of the group shots in other places.

[@BeyondOurSolarSystem]

5:55 - I hear what you're saying about posing with your arms folded, but for Glenn Tipton in that photo it works. It works because (1) he's off to the side at the end, and (2) he's staring hard at the camera with an intense look in his eyes. (3) Also, he's the only one there that looks awake and not hungover.

[@quisquillatv4329]

This was just too good, Glenn. The end was peak youtube content.

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Ty!!

[@mogwix]

My favorite local band photo trope: brick walls. My first band needed a photo to include with a press kit for some event. One night after a show, my friend had her camera (back in the film days lol) so we just kinda got together for a photo quickly then moved on. It was literally just four dudes standing out behind the pub looking all tired and disheveled. When I saw the poster for the event, all the bands had the exact same photo. Four dudes standing around in front of a brick wall. Since then, one of my favorite things to do is browse the local event posters and find the brick wall photo. There's always at least one but usually more.

[@ВикторКоныгин-и8у]

Wow! That video is a must watch for everyone in the industry!! Seriously, we lack bands that give a fuck about their audience.

[@hotchow8766]

I am very grateful for your 13 examples with actual pictures, personal experience and gear explanations. The Canon is a steal on eBay and Goodwill which will help with camera G.A.S., like guitar G.A.S.. These techniques will help me take better photos of my very self-conscious wife. I put the earbuds in because I didn't want the deluge of F-Bombs around my family. Merry Christmas and God bless you.

[@TheAppalachianYeti]

Well as someone who is just starting in hobby level photography, I appreciate this Video.

[@robertescue6756]

Glenn, I think a lot of photographers needed to hear this. I have made some of the same mistakes you have as I look at band shots I have taken in the past and thought "WTF was I thinking when I shot this!?" Thanks for making it!!! I think the problem with graveyard shoots is that there is no planning or previsualization as to what the end result is going to be so you end up with predictable, boring shots. I have done a couple of shoots with my girlfriend who is a burlesque performer who was an actress and does character based routines such as The Woman In Black. The idea of the shoot was to focus on the character while being in a cemetery without the cemetery being as much a subject as the character being photographed and I feel they turned out better because of it.

[@bloozerd]

As alway...the best...EVER...!...I especially loved the "Rule #2" tee at the beginning...!!!

[@simondanielssonmusic]

The tips concerning body language are absolute gold! Thank you!

[@RyansCustomShopandGearOutlet]

Wham! Make It Big was one of my favorite albums when I was in the 5th grade. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go was my morning jam. I still have the vinyl in my stacks somewhere. Thanks for reminding me. I'll add it to my reference tracks. Lol!

[@DavidSmith-ne1zp]

Some of those bad bands shots were hilarious! I appreciate your passion here, even if it did seem to be hyper-caffeinated lol!

[@pedrogiavani2330]

Great video!! I was an award winning photographer years ago, now just a point and shoot with phone photographer. Still learned some stuff that I can use. Cheers

[@MRSTU1210]

Amazing as all ways Glenn

[@uphillracer]

Glenn, a man of many talents.

[@adamaice]

I appreciate your tips man. Been watching you while I've been learning to engineer and even though I don't make metal you have a really unique perspective on things I learn a lot from. Cheers.

[@joshuabeckwith7906]

So glad you mentioned that folded arm shit. I used to do that when I was an inexperienced teenager, a few years later in my early 20s I stopped all that and really started to see that posture was really important. I understood that. But some band members never did.

[@vidamendoza666]

You are an absolute fucking legend, Glenn! Let's fucking get it!

[@kellendugan1828]

Bro the resume summary is excellent. Salute.

[@javierpinon9443]

Damn this might be your best video yet!! Loved the budget friendly options you presented. I’m definitely going to get that camera and lens set. Keep up the great work!!