Dynamic Portrait Photography of Violinist at Philadelphia Riverfront

In the music industry, talented artists need creative commercial photographers to stand out from their competition. Music is all about branding. As a production studio, we’re responsible for capturing dynamic portrait photography of musicians that embody their style and soul.

Petula Perdikis specializes in the violin and viola. She is always searching for new ways to catapult her online brand image. Petula relies on our creative skills and trusts our understanding of her aesthetic to capture a bold portrait.

This project was inspired by the outstanding view at The Battery in Philadelphia. During the location scout at this venue, we discovered an angle that was difficult to reach for most subjects. However, we know that Petula will persevere through almost anything to capture the best shot. We knew when we pitched the idea to her, that she would go for it!

For the production team to reach this location, we had to park at the round-about, un-load the equipment, carry it over the chain divider. In the Summer heat, this is more difficult. It is also a challenge to capture a winning shot before the sun sets on our sensational skyline background. Read more to dive deeper into how we accomplished these glamorous portraits.

The main focus is to capture a series of portrait photos that look majestic and powerful. Since this photograph is set for publication in the Dynamic Women issue of Philadelphia Style, we need to kick it up a notch and portray how our violinist embodies those values.

As a production studio, we are always looking for new ways to capture dynamic portrait photography of musicians. In the past, we captured captivating photos of Petula at Reading Railroad Heritage Museum. While this project is less demanding than our previous photo session, it still emulates the edgy rock star aesthetic.

The Battery in Philadelphia granted our studio the authorization to access their Delaware River pier. This is a restricted space for pedestrians that lack proper certification. The most outstanding angle overlooks Benjamin Franklin Bridge, so we work here to begin our session before capturing two other outfits.

This breathtaking skyline view of Philadelphia needs a fantastic wardrobe to compliment its grandeur.

We always advise our photo subjects to bring multiple clothing options. From these separate choices, we’ll make a final wardrobe decision. The obvious selection for Petula’s magazine photo is her long pink dress. This dress has beautiful texture, it flows in the wind, and looks glamorous.

Another key element to this portrait photo is the viola. Since the subject is a violinist, it is only necessary to include the musical instrument as a prop. When viewers look at dynamic portrait photography of musicians, their instrument of choice should appear obvious. Holding the viola sends a clear message of her musical talents and bold style.

The most challenging part of this photo session is transporting equipment to the location. We need to pile our photography gear on a wheeled cart and push it to the pier. One-by-one, we transport the camera, stands, lights, and cart over the chain divider.

Now, it is a race against time to capture a dynamic portrait photo as the sun begins to set behind Philadelphia.

A creative photo session like this demands high-energy on set to achieve great results. Playing dance music as we snap the camera helps our production team and subject get into the right mood. When capturing a musician, it enables them to express themselves and play along to the beat. This makes each photo appear authentic.

The Battery in Philadelphia was an abandoned power plants for many years. As a result, debris is everywhere, but on a positive note, these imperfections contribute to the grunge rock-star look.

Every production needs a warm-up stage. This starting period allows our team to experiment with lighting techniques, try different poses, and ease the subject into the moment. It is quintessential for achieving dynamic portrait photography of musicians.

By raising and dropping the pink dress’s train, we create a dramatic effect in photo. It seems as though the wind is sweeping the dress, but in actuality, photography assistants are throwing it into the air. These were some of the best poses from the portrait photo session.

Instead of a golden sunset, the skyline is a pink haze. Sometimes portrait photographers get lucky, and this is one of those magical moments. The pink haze matches so well with Petula’s color palette decisions. Now, this portrait photo really looks like it belongs in a luxury magazine editorial.

After knowing we got the shot, Petula changed into all-black leather clothes, and together, we found a new angle along the pier. Instead of facing the skyline, we posed at the edge of the water. This creative angle adds a new twist. Instead of convey the violinist as ethereal and elegant, this look feels more rugged and tough.

By now, there is zero sunlight, so we switch the lighting technique. Instead of all-black, Petula wears a red top and white pants for the last shot of our photo session. During the nighttime, these colors are exceptional because they stand out in portrait photography against the dark Philly skyline.

We achieve our goal during this photo session by capturing an dramatic photo of a violinist. This was the primary vision during the creative planning phases. Since the weather was slightly overcast with a light pink hue, everything worked in our favor to capture this portrait.

The photos from this series is set to appear in Philadelphia Style magazine as an editorial feature. It tells a story in few words, which is the goal for every portrait photography project.

In conclusion, the client is happy with how these photos will portray her in the magazine. From the other editorial features, the violinist is certain to make a strong visual impact for readers. These photos will stop viewers in their tracks, and encourage them to read more.

All musicians need dynamic portrait photography to align with their message. A photographer should capture authentic photos that embody the artist’s style. Whether the subject is a violinist, solo guitarist or singer, their portrait photos must align with the message in their music. This will attract an audience.

Phil Kramer and his photography team are among the best production studios in Philadelphia. When it comes to commercial photography or video, Phil offers a glamorous and bold style. His studio has worked with reputable brands such as Ducati, Association for Talent Development, Visit Atlantic City, and more.

If you’re searching for a commercial photographer to elevate your brand, then consider contacting Phil Kramer in Philadelphia for production services.