When a performer/group is booked, their management company typically sends us approved publicity photos that we can use in the promotional materials for the performance. One of the biggest challenges I have as graphic designer at the Kimmel Center is visually selling a concert (let's say it's a piano recital) with a photo of somebody that looks like my accountant (or my dentist, or my high school vice-principal, etc.) The problem isn't always a question of photo quality. Moreover, it's usually a question of "how do you make three guys look like they are a musical group when they appear to be business men taking a coffee break?" (See Medeski, Martin & Wood's photo later on...)
To see what I'm talking about, read on:
Click on the link to see what I'm talking about: WORST PHOTOS
Zubin Mehta's photo would be great if we were promoting him as a philosopher. But the conductor of the Israel Phil?
Brad Meldhau looks like my buddy who had a few too many last night.
Sharon Shannon looks like my mom on vacation at the lake (except my mom's a brunette).
Leonard Slatkin is my accountant. Jeffery Siegel my dentist.
Ceasaria Evora just looks too bereft to sing, even if she IS singing Fado.
Martha Argerich's picture came from a yearbook.
Richard Smallwood could be mistaken for a guy who conducts business seminars. In fact, didn't I see this photo on an ad in an in-flight magazine?
And if we ever have a duo piano recital featuring Mesers Goode and Perahia, my department will be in BIG trouble.
(Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't include some of my favorites, too, so after you're done chuckling at the worst, enjoy some of the best: BEST PHOTOS)
publicists take note! lol
LOL! Great post!!
That one of Yo Yo Ma is my personal fav.
..and, also in the "Best" category, last night at Wu Man's performance she acknowledged that some folks might have come to the concert because they saw her photo:
http://www.kimmelcenter.org/news/item.php?item=2005-10-19
He does it again. Nice Will.