Music Photography at Hawkeye Studio in Bath with Colin Hawkins 

Distinctive Music Portraits and Promotional Phototography

I create original and distinctive music portraits, creative artwork, and promotional photos that truly reflect a band or artist’s identity.  I often shoot on location but I really enjoy doing promo shoots in my studio in Bath which offers me the creative freedom to experiment—it’s a blank canvas where every element and technique is carefully considered to suit each session.

I’ve been photographing bands, musicians, and album covers for most of my career and I’ve got a deep understanding of diverse lighting styles, wierd and wonderful photographic methods, and camera techniques to make creative images. Whether we’re 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 of the shoot and your ideas.

I especially enjoy collaborating with musicians who bring their own artistic values to the table that leads to ideas and imagery that is 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 you as an artist or your music. The images I create serve as a visual representation of a musical “identity” and should effectively convey an idea and connect with potential listeners. This “character” can range from serious and introspective to sexy, fun, angry, or super chilled. Defining this will help shape the tone of a shoot.

What draws your attention to band images and makes you stop and take notice?

By considering some of the elements below your promotional images should resonate with an audience and help transform a simple image into an unforgettable piece of art.

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.

Iconic Presence

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

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, that can’t be replicated.
Would you like your photos to reflect a sense of movement, attitude, or dynamism, or do you prefer a more still, composed presence?

Realism or Believability

Genuine, believable and unpolished moments that are authentic can have a strong impact, especially in an era where audiences crave transparency.

Intent and Clear Concept

Promotional music photography with a clear artistic direction or concept that is more than just a “snapshot” will often tell a more of a story and convey a message about you as an artist.
It could be your choice of clothes or the accesories you wear which determine the mood or message in your imagery, whilst the over all tones and shades or perhaps a specific colour of the images can be equally as important.

Categorised in: Music Photography, portrait 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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