All photos by Akron Ohio music, concert, portrait & event photographer Mara Robinson Photography. Click photo to learn more.
Photographing The Cybertronic Spree
The Humanity in Being a Robot
Modern robots and artificial intelligence keep becoming more and more humanlike. But what happens when you're humans performing in character as robots? Toronto, Canada rock band The Cybertronic Spree are currently exploring that question, and how it relates to their music and vision for the band.
The Cybertronic Spree began as a project to cover the heavy metal soundtrack from 1986's The Transformers: The Movie. At that time, it was easy to focus on maintaining the illusion of their characters. But as they evolved and released original music, including their 2023 album Ravage, it became evident there really is More than Meets the Eye.
All photos by Akron Ohio music, concert, portrait & event photographer Mara Robinson Photography. Click photo to learn more.
The band features Hotrod (bass, vocals), Arcee (keys, vocals), Rumble (drums), Shockwave (drums), Unicron (guitar), a Quintesson (keys, guitar, vocals), Soundwave (dancing, hype), and Bumblebee (dancing, hype). [Shockwave and Bumblebee were not present for the show at which these photos were taken.]
At the same time, the band still doesn't seem altogether ready to identify who's behind each mask. Which is probably a good thing, because then members can come and go as life moves them, and no fan will complain that, "it just isn't the same without so-and-so."
All photos by Akron Ohio music, concert, portrait & event photographer Mara Robinson Photography. Click photo to learn more.
As for life on my end when it comes to photographing a band in costume, I love it.
There's a lot more freedom for me when there's far fewer human characteristics to focus on (especially waiting for every facial feature to do something cool at the same magical split-second.
I hear performers say they feel more freedom as well when they're playing a character.
Sure, it's still up to the band to give a visually stunning and photographable performance, complete with flattering poses, animated movements and confident delivery.
All photos by Akron Ohio music, concert, portrait & event photographer Mara Robinson Photography. Click photo to learn more.
It always helps to have at least halfway-decent lighting under which to watch for moments that create an appealing photo.
All photos by Akron Ohio music, concert, portrait & event photographer Mara Robinson Photography. Click photo to learn more.
An attractive stage setup and fun props also add to the images. Even little simple signature touches can be used to give insight into the band and its performers.
All photos by Akron Ohio music, concert, portrait & event photographer Mara Robinson Photography. Click photo to learn more.
It takes guts to put yourself out there onstage, but confidence helps increase chances for good shots.
Some of my favorite moments are when performers interact directly with someone in their audience, or with me.
A look and smile of acknowledgement, a point, a laugh, and gratitude says a lot to the people in the crowd and the ones viewing these images.
All photos by Akron Ohio music, concert, portrait & event photographer Mara Robinson Photography. Click photo to learn more.
In-between moments of quiet introspection can also make for beautiful images.
A well-timed dance break can also add to a performace.
So many things need to come together at once to get a decent shot. Everything from each performer's passion, position, pose, eyes, mouth, hands — to the lights and stage design — to the photographer nailing the camera's proper settings, angle and production. The more often everything aligns, the good-photo hitrate increases.
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