The Megaphone – Liz Parker's Blog

Photo shoots can be super intimidating to put together.  If you’re a musician who breaks out in a cold sweat at the thought of setting up your photo shoot, don’t worry – I’m here to sort it all out for you, and explain what’s involved.

I do know how you feel.  Recently, I bought an ipod, and for starters, I’m a confirmed PC girl.  Secondly, I’m not really into earphone technology – a recent gym switch prompted the need for an ipod.  So when I was standing there, helpless in the Mac store, full of people of all ages, mostly guys, hipsters, techno-geeks, creative types, non-creative types, I broke out in a cold sweat.  (I finally bought myself a nice purple “Nano” thanks to a very nice and patient sales guy.)

So what does it mean that I “coordinate”, “style”, or “art direct” a photo shoot?

By “coordinate”, I’m referring to getting all the details sorted out.  I will recommend the photographer, suss out the fee he/she is charging, and see if it meets your budget.  It also refers to whether or not we’re doing this shoot in-studio, or on location.  I will ask you about your instrument, and if it requires complicated travel and set-up (like a harp or a zillion percussion instruments).  I will want to know if your instrument can be photographed outside – I understand if you’re playing a Guanerius, you don’t want to do a photo shoot in superhot or supercold weather.  Or in rain.  Other details that need to be coordinated in advance are things like hair appointments. I will also bug you about getting your hair done at a COOL salon in advance, and if you’re a guy, I will plead that you don’t get a crew cut right before the shoot. 

By “styling”, I’m referring to helping you pick your clothes; combining them in ways that will work on camera; accessorizing your outfits with jewellery (I have craploads); and ensuring your hair looks great.  I also love bringing Paul Langill on board (www.paullangill.com) who’s a brilliant makeup artist and hair stylist; the man knows a LOT about fashion, too and I rely upon him to suggest wardrobe ideas.  He’s always polite about not speaking “out of turn” but I keep insisting he does because he knows his shit.  I will even “style” the surroundings if need be; at a recent shoot in fashion designer Rosemarie Umetsu’s studio, I took down all the paintings and framed photographs off two walls as they wouldn’t have worked in the shots.  (And later, schlepping a ladder around, I put them all back up.  Omigod – never did I sweat so much!)  Since I’m fussy with detail, I will smooth out your clothes, get those pesky strands of hair under control, and try to prevent as much future photoshopping as possible.  And while you may not be too thrilled when  I yell out to suck in your gut, lengthen your neck, stick your chin out, elbows out, elbows in …. trust me, you’ll be glad I called out these directions.  It’s so bloody unfair how the camera adds ten pounds (twenty on me) and the poses I suggest will feel totally weird and you will be convinced I am posing you like an alien or a praying mantis.  Work with me, darling – I’m ensuring you’re captured at your best.  Often the photographer is distracted with light settings, the camera equipment, the lights, the computer, etc.  I’m focussed on YOU. 

By “art directing” I ensure the vision you and I discussed happens.  This includes the location, and the “feel” and overall “look” you’re after.  Photo shoots never go exactly according to plan, and it’s easy to get caught up in last-minute ideas and suggestions.  If you are a pianist, I will ensure a lot of pictures are taken by the keys or at least on the piano bench.  Most marketing departments want your photos to clearly state who you are.  Portrait shots are great and sometimes used too, of course, but photos are better with your instrument.  Don’t forget, marketers can always crop your photo if all we need is a headshot.  Another thing: don’t assume all administrative staff have a strong musical background.  If you are a pianist in recital with a cellist, and only headshots are submitted, the photos may accidentally be swapped.  It’s not fun to hear the tirade of an enraged artist with the wrong name under their photo.  “Art directing” also includes suggesting poses, encouraging you to play, coming up with new and different ways to pose with your instrument, or, if you’re a singer, new ways to express your artistry in a photo. 

This is by far one of my most favourite things to do – the photo shoot. 

The result is as good as the open-mindedness of the subject.  I know not everyone is comfortable in front of the lens, but the more you give, and the more you’re open to making a complete fool of yourself (and haven’t you gotten over this by now as a performer?!??) the better your photo shoot will be. 

And no matter what look you’re after – from daytime natural to full-on cabaret vamp: HAIR AND MAKEUP IS REQUIRED.  Don’t skip this process.  And the most secure of men know it’s wise to insist on powder and even a hairstylist, too.  Gender aside, doing a photo shoot with literally no makeup will result in you looking like an underslept prisoner.  Trust me on this.

I will do everything to ensure you get the shots you want.  I will crawl on my stomach, climb up and down ladders (if not to remove/replace artwork then to sprinkle rose petals down on a client), I will lug park benches around and schlep your stuff on location.  I will also insist you relax in between shots while I be your gopher  – you need to save every ounce of energy for the shoot, and I simply won’t allow you to ruin your manicure that I also bugged you to get. 

Coordinating photo shoots take a long time – so the sooner you get it started, the better.

Any questions?