Music Photography at Hawkeye Studio in Bath

Colin Hawkins – Music Phototographer

In my Studio in Bath I create original and distinctive music portraits, creative artwork, and promotional photography designed to reflect the spirit of a musician or band. Every artist has their own style and identity, and my goal over the past 20 years as a photographer has been to capture that visually in a way that feels both striking and authentic outside of the “live” or performing situation.

While I love the energy of shooting on location, some my favorite sessions have taken place in my studio in Bath. The studio is a blank canvas, and that freedom has allowed me to really experiment. I play with light, colour, textures, and creative techniques to make images that are tailored to each artist’s style or idea.

I’ve been photographing bands, musicians, and album covers for most of my career and over that time I’ve developed a deep understanding of diverse lighting styles, wierd and wonderful photographic methods, and camera techniques. Whether I’m working with a complex mix of flash, natural light, or blending digital and analogue approaches, I’m more than happy to adapt to the needs and direction of a shoot to make it work.

As a photographer I especially enjoy collaborating with musicians who bring their own artistic values and ideas to the table and making images together that are as unique as their music.

Crafting Distinctive Music Portraits: The Art of Visual Identity

It’s important to be mindful of how any image may be perceived by an audience, especially by those who may not be familiar with an artist or their music. The images I create serve as a visual representation of a musical “identity” and help connect with potential listeners and fans.

This “character” or “identity” can range from the serious and introspective to sexy, fun, angry, or super chilled. Defining this will help me shape the tone of a shoot….from the music that’s on in the background… to the energy, guidance and creative direction I give… or the space I leave to just be yourself.

What Draws Your Attention to Band Images and Makes You Stop and Take Notice?

If you think about some of the elements below while planning your photography shots, you can take a photo from just ‘good’ to something people might actually remember.
Some of the most striking band images tell a story before the music starts. They make you stop…to be curious or learn more about the artist.

Think about timeless band photos—those that become synonymous with the artist or an era. An image with this quality conveys a powerful sense of identity and can define a moment or a musical journey.

Impact and Originality

Originality grabs your attention, leaving a lasting impression that separates it from the countless other band photos out there with a unique, striking visual style.

Unexpected Details

A subtle symbol, hidden gesture, an unusual lighting trick, or even one band member doing something “unusual” can make someone stop and think….. what’s going on here?

A Strong Visual Identity

• Bands that use consistent imagery across album art, promotional photography, and social media create instant recognition.
• A bold colour palette, striking contrast, or unusual composition can make the an image stand out in a social feed or poster.
• A mood that matches the music: The photos should feel like a visual translation of your sound—dark, playful, rebellious, dreamy, etc.
• Expressions & Body Language: The attitude & expression should pull you in and hint at what you’re about to hear. Genuine chemistry, energy, or rawness can draw more attention than something overproduced.
• A band should look like they belong together (stylistically, colour choices, vibe) but without blending into each other. Everyone having their own “character” while still fitting the bigger aesthetic.

Personal Connection

Images that capture shared emotions, moods, or situations can resonate deeply with a viewer, creating a memorable bond with you and your music.

A Captured “Moment”

Some of the best images often capture something fleeting—whether it’s a raw emotion, a subtle glance or action that can’t be replicated.
As a photographer I want to know if your photos should reflect a sense of movement, attitude, or dynamism, or do you prefer a more still, composed presence?
If a the band wants a “raw DIY look,” there’s a difference between intentional lo-fi and just sloppy, blurry or grainy for no reason.  Unclear, underexposed, or washed-out photos can look unprofessional.

Intent and Clear Concept

Promotional music photography with a clear artistic direction or concept that is more than just a “snapshot” and will often tell a more of a story or convey a message about you as an artist. Problems occur when there’s no visual connection to your music, for example a heavy metal band posing in bright pastel shirts in a sunny park (unless it’s intentionally ironic), as this mismatch will probably confuse an audience instead of drawing them in.

Using props or shooting in unusual locations can add layers of storytelling. But be mindful that if there’s too much going on, you lose focus on the people. Try to avoid clichés & overusing tropes like broken instruments or “angry face” close-ups without originality.

It could be your choice of clothes, the accesories you wear or a particular pose that determines the mood or message in your imagery.

As a photographer it is important to determine the over all tone or a specific colour grade applied to the images to align with the music.

Music Genres and Ideas for Visual Directions

Some inspiration and ideas to create mood boards or create images that perhaps reflect a few music genres.

Indie & Folk

• Natural landscape feel (fields & forests if shooting on location).
• Softer colours, earthy tones, dreamy atmospheres.
• Relaxed attitude that feels approachable rather than confrontational.

Rock & Alternative

• Gritty and urban.
• High-contrast black-and-white shots can that give a timeless, rebellious feel.
• Band usually projects cool detachment…an almost “effortless” attitude.

Pop & Electronic

• Clean crisp lighting with bold simple graphic elements & minimalist backgrounds.
• Sleek clothing, sometimes monochrome and has a  “fashion” feel.
• Emphasis on visual polish…. and feels modern and stylish.
  

R&B

• Warm golden tones, soft spotlights, or sultry deep hues (reds, purples).
• Smooth, stylish and intimate- sophistication with emotional depth.
• Attitude is usually relaxed, confident, and slightly glamorous — eye contact with the camera.

Drum & Bass / Dance

• Dark, moody, cinematic … underground and futuristic.
• Shadow-heavy lighting – experiment with projections, muted tones.
• Abstract/arty interiors –  mysterious, urban.
• Attitude is detached, introspective, often looking away from the lens.

Metal & Hard Rock

• Dramatic lighting….shadows, fire & spotlights.
• Aggressive stances, intense facial expressions, sometimes verging on theatrical costumes or makeup.
• Powerful and intimidating attitude.

Categorised in: portrait Photography, Music Photography

This post was written by Colin

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“ Colin was absolutely superb to work with, was really understanding and flexible, and the quality of his shots is excellent.  Couldn’t have asked for better and we’re so grateful you were able to help with  at such short notice too!”

HfH

Creative Director

"We have solely used Colin's services for the past 18 years for our company's website and it's always been such a delight to deal with him. His professionalism, enthusiasm, flair and creativity make him a real gem to work with. Tried others but kept going back to Colin. We'll always use him first.”

B Bm

"Colin is a phenomenal photographer….he could not have made me feel more comfortable. Throughout the shoot, he remained conscious of my artistic visions and captured them perfectly, whilst gently directing me throughout the process.“

E. Scrivens

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