PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS IN MILWAUKEE
I’ve had the opportunity to photograph many professional musicians over the years, including members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
For a working musician, portraits often need to do several jobs. They may become an artist headshot, an album cover, a concert or recital promotional image, a press photograph, website imagery, or something used by publications and arts organizations.
Catherine Chen, Principal Bassoon of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, came to my studio to create a collection that could move between those worlds. We photographed everything from polished professional headshots to dramatic portraits built around her bassoon, with several wardrobe and lighting changes throughout the session.
The resulting photographs have gone on to appear with Catherine’s album and in news and media features.
Planning professional portraits for your own music career? Explore my Branding Photography for Milwaukee Creatives & Artists page, including portrait and branding work created for professional musicians.
CATHERINE’S PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE
I am the Principal Bassoon of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. I have been playing in the orchestra for the last 3 1/2 years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, live performances have come to a halt. Performers and musicians are now mostly sharing art and music virtually.
I have never had my portraits taken professionally. Photos of me with my bassoon were always taken by friends, colleagues, or photographers hired through work. A few of my MSO colleagues have gone to Jennifer Brindley in the past and all of their photos are absolutely stunning. I wanted to have a variety of portraits to have for a long time for my career.
The whole experience exceeded all of my expectations. I had booked this appointment in the beginning of April. My photo session was on June 22, 2020. I was Jennifer’s first client since reopening after quarantine. It was all surreal and you could feel an excitement in the air due to the anticipation leading up to the photo session.
Jennifer set the mood by playing an awesome playlist of music. Emily, the makeup artist, was absolutely perfect. I showed her a picture of the eye makeup I wanted and she was 100% on board with it and understood my needs for the look I wanted. She made me feel comfortable and boosted my confidence prior to the shoot with her amazing energy and makeup/hair skills. I was truly impressed.
It was a blast collaborating with Jennifer at the photo shoot. I sent her photos of my outfits ahead of time and upon the start of the shoot, she had concrete ideas that she clearly communicated with me on how she envisioned the “looks” to be. I felt comfortable with her leading the shoot. She was so prepared and had given thought on every small detail.
PORTRAITS BUILT FOR A MUSICIAN’S CAREER
A musician’s portrait library can extend far beyond a traditional headshot. Depending on where your photographs need to appear, we can create a range of images during one session, from clean and approachable portraits to dramatic editorial photographs with your instrument.
Before your session, we’ll talk through how the images will be used so we can plan wardrobe, backgrounds, lighting, composition and orientation around those needs. If you need photographs for album artwork, press features, concert promotion, your website or social media, we can intentionally build that variety into the shoot.
I photograph professional musicians throughout Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin, creating polished headshots, artist portraits and expressive imagery for albums, press features, websites, concert promotion and social media.
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