Here’s the scoop, The Bluebellies Band needs a band photo. But all the band members have packed schedules and some members live farther away, so finding time is difficult, let alone finding time when the light is actually good as well. But for the last two Sundays, they have been recording their first album (coming to stores near you soon) in Sonoma, at a funky studio that is surrounded by random buildings, rusty farm vehicles and industrial grape vines… perfect for a band photo…. especially when the band sings a lot of songs about chickens.

So while they were getting set up in the studio, I wandered around and scouted for locations. Because of the time change, I had to wait at least an hour until the sun was lower in the sky. You would think with all the extra time I had prior to the shoot that I would be perfectly ready and calm and so when they finally emerged from the studio, I could simply push the shutter and come away with the perfect expertly-composed- super-creative Bluebellies Band photo. Not so. My first location was not ready, because the sun was too high in the sky…. so we quickly moved to location number two (see above). But I was not exactly convinced about the spot and my tripod wouldn’t go high enough, so I didn’t really get as much of the environment as I was hoping for. But they all look good, with a tad more directing, the photo might just work.

And then my second shot (supposed to be my first shot), which I was thinking would be super arty with the fence and the industrial grapes (see above), would be perfect for their ‘Dirt Bag Wine Country Living’ song. But I am not so sure my intentions transfer as well as I was hoping… well, until they got more comfortable with the camera (see below)….

And all of a sudden they are The Rabid Bluebellies so maybe this photo is more appropriate for one of their other songs… ‘Llamas Ninja Fighting.’

Anyway, I can’t decide and I need some input. I would love to know what you all think… this is a multiple choice test…

A) photo #1 is the best

B) photo #2 is the best

C) photo #3 is the best

D) none of the above… please hang up and try your call again.

E) I hate multiple choice and I want to express my own opinion.