April 11, 2009 – While they took a break from the craziness of the Bamboozle Road Show, I caught up with the guys from Forever The Sickest Kids for a photo shoot. Here are the results. 
Photographer’s Notes:
These guys were super fun to work with – really easy going and ready to mug at the merest suggestion. In addition, they were just flat out nice. While moving locations, the guys even offered to help my assistants and I grab lights and stands – Jonathan Cook, the group’s lead singer, grabbed two stands himself.
One thing I always try to do before a shoot is learn everyone’s name. This might sound like a small thing, but I cringe a little at the thought of pointing at someone and saying, “Hey, you, can you move a foot to your left?” For a band like FTSK that has six members, learning names and keeping everyone’s name straight can be a bit of a task, but it pays off. After giving some direction to Marc, Caleb noted, “You’re the first photographer to actually learn our names before a shoot!”
I started out shooting with the Nikon 24-70mm, but soon realized that a band like this really calls for something a little more interesting, and quickly reached for the Nikon 14-24mm. While an ultra-wide isn’t ideal for all band portraits, FTSK seemed like a perfect fit. As soon as I took out the lens, Jonathan called out, “Fisheye!” This happens more often than you’d think.
Lighting for this set was made with two speedlights creating a bit of crosslighting, with a third as a rimlight for a little increased separation from the background.
End Notes:
Huge, huge thanks to Robi, Jamie, Brandon, and everyone else who made this possible.
Thanks to my assistants David and DJ.
Finally, big shout out to the Forever The Sickest Kids. Loved working with you guys, let’s do it again soon!
This entry was posted on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 at 5:11 pm and is filed under Portrait Photography and tagged with 2009, forever the sickest kids, ftsk, images, music, Music Photography, photographer, pics, Portrait Photography, promo, tour. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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The challenge? A portrait shoot with Forever the Sickest Kids. Solution? 14mm and a whole lot of flashes: http://is.gd/uL52
Where’s the shoot where fans were involved?
I’m kind of split on that shot, but might post it later.
Hey Todd,
I love seeing your portrait shoots. Nice bunch of shots. I like the the rim lighting and that the sky isn’t blown out. The location is pretty cool too.
Guess the only criticism I have is the shadow of one of the strobes that shows up on the background a few times. Maybe it needs to be cloned out (especially where it’s perched on the guy’s shoulder).
Hey Clint! Thanks for the comment. You know, to be honest, I totally missed the shadows on a few of the shots. Going to address those right now, thanks for the feedback!
Dude, those photos are sick. Just sayin’… I love them all, and I wish I had the talent/skill you did. Uhhh… You’re the reason I love photography, even if I’ll probably never get the chance to actually learn about it.
xo
Hey Nicole, thanks for the kind words, glad to hear you like the shots. I just started doing these types of portraits relatively recently, so if I can learn, I’m sure you can do it, too.
Strobist.com actually just posted a really quick and easy post about group portraits that’s very applicable to band portraits/promos. You can check it out here:
Quick Technique for Edgier Group Shots
Nice shots, Todd! I like the backlight in the hair in the fourth photograph.
Hey Tanya, thanks for the comment on this set.
A guy from FTSK is wearing a FTSK hat? Wow. I wish I liked this band as much as I enjoyed the photos.
Ha! Thanks, Nicole, glad to hear you like the shots.
Heyooo. Long time no chat. Great portraits, as usual. Not surprised to hear that fisheye comment, wish I was there for that one.. but that 14-24 rips! Gotta love it.
Be back in May where I can actually load web pages (effin Ireland). Lookin forward to catchin up with more of your stuff!
Hey Chris, thanks for the comment – nice to hear from you. Bands love the 14-24mm.
Hit me up when you’re back in the States.
Todd, I really enjoy your portrait work, and would love to see a portrait photography tips section. that was a great note about learning people’s names. ~ Rich
Hey Rich,
Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it. Personally, I’m naturally forgetful with names, so before a shoot I always drill and drill to learn everyone’s name in the band. It helps foster better interaction with the group and allows one to confidently direct individual members.
love it, love it, love it.
great and very appropriate use of the extra-wide angle. ;)
Thanks! These guys just screamed for the ultra-wide. Really nice band, too.
hey! i love your pictures!
i was just wondering.. did you ever post the picture with the fans in it? i would love to see it!