City Beat Cover Shot

Its really ridiculous the amount of time I let go in between postings. In attempting to get better at it - here we go. Last week I was called by City Beat to shoot the cover for this weeks issue featuring the 8 nominated bands for the San Diego 2010 Music Awards 'Best New Band" . They knew they had 7 to 8 people (1 representative from each band) that needed to be shot. So - after a late night Skype conference call with the Editor David Rolland and Music Editor Peter Holslin, we had come up with a concept that we would set up a studio, 'on location' behind the City Beat building. I would bring a back drop, we would focus more on a tighter shot of the group. Well shoot day rolls around(the next day ;) ), the location wasn't exactly what I imagined, and power was an issue. Then one of band members shows up in an old pickup red truck. I then decided this initial concept must change. The art director Adam Vieyra was on board so we went with it. Shooting large groups of people, and in general established band people, you don't usually have a lot of time for set up and move around. You have to get the shot set up quick, lighting better be solid, and your shooting must be on point, clock is counting down. I generally don't like changing directions - once you have the concept laid down, but in most case scenarios, nothing goes as planned - you gotta role with it - and make kick ass photos. I'm happy with the results - we got a lot of great shots, but here is the final result with the copy. Pick up this weeks City Beat - or visit the article online - click here!