Music Can Be the Sharpest Tool in a Photographer’s Toolkit
Music can be a great tool to have during your shoot. I can assume that most photographers, models, and subjects all feel that playing background music during your shoot can keep the atmosphere from feeling dry, dull, and boring. It keeps things interesting. Outside of music seasoning the atmosphere, however, music can also be used as a tool for connection with your subject.
As you all may know, lately, I’ve been shooting more consistently and making images of different people from all walks of life. To start conceptualizing my shoots, I’ve been creating mood boards, discussing image styling with clients, and asking clients and subjects about their favorite colors. I have been maximizing my communication with them. But I’ve realized something has been missing in the last couple of sessions. That missing piece was playing music that connected with the subject.
During most of my shoots, I’d play music from current popular songs and artists. But that's not everybody’s thing. Many songs on the Top 40 charts are not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’. I realized that if I want to crack through the next level of connection with my subjects, I need to play them the songs that emotionally connect with them the most. Songs from childhood. A song that makes them think of their mother. Or a song that reminds them of being in love.
This past Wednesday, I did a portrait shoot of one of my DJ friends. He is a DJ who spins mostly vinyl records and classic grooves from the 70s and 80s. Think of a DJ set that includes Parliament-Funkadelic and Diana Ross. His sets are FANTASTIC! So before the shoot started, I had to make sure the music I played for him would keep him connected, comfortable, and vibing.
[The studio] It's a playground for us photographers. But for sitting subjects, it looks like a lab where all the imperfections they’re insecure about get dissected and scrutinized.
Most people are uncomfortable sitting for photos. This is a scientific fact, trust me! Even if it is something they want to do, sitting for a photo can be quite intimidating. It's the big camera in their face, all of the lights, the crew, and the cold environment filled with cables, backdrops, and screens. It's like a hospital room. It's a playground for us photographers. But for sitting subjects, it looks like a lab where all the imperfections they’re insecure about get dissected and scrutinized. So for that reason, your subject or client must always be cozy if you can help it.
During the photo shoot of my DJ friend, I made sure to play songs that he was likely to play in his sets. And it worked like a charm! He started talking about his old days as a radio DJ in college in Virginia. He talked about the Jazz radio station and WBLS in New York back in the day. It brought about some very interesting conversation. And, most importantly, it helped him to relax and get more comfortable in front of the camera. We got some great photos out of that shoot. And he had a great time.
Everyone is different, so this is not a method that will work for all subjects. In my pursuit to get the best images I can of the people in front of my lens, I am going to do as many methods as I can and see what works.
In some cases, you may not get the opportunity to talk to your subject beforehand. But that is what this climb out of the valley is all about. I am doing photography in a whole new way, from a whole new perspective. I have to be willing to try what works.
A few songs from the photoshoot:
Dreamer - The B. B. & Q. Band
Just Us - Two Tons of Fun