A few tips and trick to taking a good artist or band photo…
Why do I need an artist or band photo?
A good artist or band photo will really help us promote both you and the 2024 Hills Ukulele Festival, and this year we are asking all artist and bands to submit a photo through our new Artist Application form on this website (applications open Friday October 6th!)
Why can’t I just use the same one as last year?
You can – simply resubmit it with your 2024 application.
So why do I need to submit it again if you already have it?
This year we are streamlining the application process so that all data and images are submitted at the same and thus stored together, making it easier for the HUF family of volunteers to process, and also to create social media posts to promote both you and the festival itself!
Ok, that makes sense. But I’m not a professional photographer – how do I take good photos?
I’m glad you asked. Here are some of the things to take into consideration when getting ready to take your photos.
- What is the lighting like?
Lighting is the most important thing to think about when taking your photo. Is it a bright sunny day? Is it a dull overcast day? You might be surprised to know that dull overcast days are great for photos as there are no strong shadows, and your subjects won’t have to squint in bright light. But you do need to make sure that there is enough light on everyone’s face – so try to have them facing the light source – yes it can be a balancing act but really enhances your photos when you get it right.
If you’re inside, try to find somewhere next to a window where you can be in natural light. Indoor light can be harsh and does “colour” the light we see (although most of the time we don’t notice it because we’re so used to it).
- What is in the background?
A great portrait shot can be ruined by something in the background. Forget “fixing it in Photoshop” or any other phone app. it’s always easier to get it right “in camera” than have to fix it later.
Clean and uncluttered is best for making sure your or your group are the focus of the image. It’s helpful to take a photo of your location first without anyone in it, so you can really pay attention to what’s in the background. Sounds crazy yes, after all you’re right there – but it’s amazing the difference framing our shot first can make to spotting things you might otherwise miss.
Plain backgrounds work best – brick walls and wooden fences are great backgrounds. If you’re not happy with the background moving the shot slightly to one side can also help.
- Check Your Outfit
Check for creases, animal hair (speaking from experience!), crooked jewellery or anything else that might bother you later when the photo is up on the website for the world to see.
- Eyes Open
Trust me, as a photographer in a former life, camera blinking is definitely a thing. So here how you get around it: get everyone to close their eyes, the person taking the photo count to three, on three eyes open and the photo is taken! Job done!
- Check, Check and Recheck!
Triple check all of the above before submitting your photo and application
- What size and format should be image be?
If given the choice, jpegs are our preferred format, but basically if you phone can take it, we’re pretty sure we can use it. Not all phone photo apps will give you a choice of size, but around the 700x to 900x is a great size. Bigger is always better.
- Where can I get more help?
Please feel free to post on the Hills Ukulele Festival Facebook page if you need more help.